AFC Cup 2018: Bengaluru FC vs New Radiant SC, 5 Talking Points

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Bengaluru FC returned to continental footballing action as they took on Maldivian champions New Radiant SC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.

The two sides are at the top of the AFC Cup Group E and went into the game in search of their third win on the trot in the group. New Radiant won their first two fixtures in the group when they defeated Aizawl FC and Abahani Dhaka. Bengaluru FC also won against the two sides with their last match being the 3-1 win over Aizawl FC in Guwahati, Assam.

Bengaluru FC won the match courtesy a late strike from Nishu Kumar in a game that was pretty evenly matched. New Radiant SC were in control for much of the match but were undone by an added-time goal that saw Bengaluru rise to the top in the Group E standings.

#1 New Radiant SC took control of the game from the start

The side from the Maldives that won the Dhivehi Premier League, the top division of Maldivian football system began on a strong note as they produced the first chance of the match in the first minute itself.

Bengaluru FC were playing with three men at the back but that did not deter the away side. They kept finding the holes in the defence and were effective in the midfield. They did not allow Bengaluru any free time on the ball and closed them down very well.

Ashfaq and Hamzath Mohammed were the major sources of attacking danger for the New Radiant SC as they kept making good runs into the box and kept the home side's defence on their toes throughout the first half asserting control over the game.

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