AFC Cup 2018: Aizawl FC vs Bengaluru FC, 5 Talking Points
Two Indian clubs faced off against each other in the AFC Cup group stage as former I-League champions Aizawl FC hosted last year's Federation Cup champions at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Assam.
The two sides had played one match in the continental competition having varied fortunes. Bengaluru FC had beaten Abahani Dhaka at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru with a 1-0 win owing to a goal by Daniel Lahlimpuia. Meanwhile, Aizawl FC had been defeated by Maldivian champions New Radiant SC with a 3-1 score away in Male.
Aizawl FC began the game with an early goal after a defensive lapse as Dodoz got the goal for the North Eastern side. Bengaluru FC persisted on to keep their attack up and were rewarded with a penalty at the end of the first half as Segovia got the sides level. Rahul Bheke and Daniel Lahlimpuia added two more in the second half of the match as Bengaluru won their second game in the AFC Cup Group stage.
#1 Dodoz strikes early to give Aizawl the lead
Bengaluru FC began the game with control of the possession and even made initial in-roads into the Aizawl box but had no success against the defence.
Aizawl FC managed to open the scoring in the fifth minute of the match when a through-ball by Masih Saighani was not dealt well by the Bengaluru defence. BFC keeper Lalthuammawia Ralte rushed off his line to make the clearance but there was confusion at the back and Juanan's tackle led the ball being ricocheted off Dodoz into the goal for the early goal.