AFC Cup: Persipura Jayapura crush Bengaluru FC 3-1
Persipura Jayapura thrashes Bengaluru FC 3-1 in a crucial Group E AFC Cup match at Jayapura, Indonesia.
Louis Kabes scored the opening goal from a stunning free-kick in the 4th minute of the game. Robertino Pugliara increased the lead in the 23rd minute from a free header of Boaz Solossa’s cross. Pugliara completed his brace and the team’s third goal in the 50th minute. C.K Vineeth scored a late goal to restore some pride for the away side.
Bengaluru FC started the game with a disadvantage as they were missing six first-team players, including Captain Sunil Chhetri and main striker Robin Singh. Against a side of Persipura Jayapura’s standard, it was a major setback for Ashley Westwood’s men.
Persipura pointed out the lack of quality in the opponent’s squad from the very first minute. They fielded the team in an attacking 4-3-3 formation. The home side took the lead as early as in the 4th minute. Darren Caldeira was at fault of an infringement just outside the box. Louis Kabes took the free-kick and neatly converted.
Bengaluru FC’s long ball tactics did not prove successful against a strong Persipura team. They intercepted and blocked the Bengaluru players easily in the midfield area and concentrated on quick counter-attacks.
Persipura’s main attacker and Captain Boaz Solossa was the danger man upfront. Second string defender Lalchhuan Mawia looked terrible in the left-back position in front of the big man Solossa. He was skillful had impeccable pace.
Solossa came close to scoring the second goal in the 16th minute. He ran down the flank dribbled Mawia and attempted a shot at the goal. Unfortunately, it went outside.
Bengaluru FC defense was in haywire and looked clueless in front of the Persipura attackers. The second goal was scored in the 23rd minute from Robertino Pugliara’s header. This time Boaz Solossa did the hard work from the right side and floated a cross. Pugliara just had to head home the ball.
The teams went into a brief lemon break, with Persipura having clear advantage. They were dominant in every sphere of the game.
Persipura started the second half with the same intensity. They enjoyed possession and were depending on speedy runs of their attackers.
The home side found their third goal in the 50th minute. Robertino Pugliara completed his brace with an easy tap in. Yet again Boaz Solossa was the architect of the goal. Mawia’s replacement NS Manju was equally reluctant and failed to mark the talismanic forward. Solossa dribbled past the defenders and created an easy chance for Pugliara.
After conceding the goal, Bengaluru FC started showing intent. They started maintaining possession. They did not give away easy balls in the midfield. But it was too late.
Second half substitute C.K Vineeth scored the consolation goal in the late moments. A defensive lapse resulted in a chance. Rino Anto crossed the ball from the right flank. Vineeth clinically converted the header after Suleiman fumbled the ball. It was a childish mistake from the custodian.
Bengaluru remained at the second position in Group E, while Persipura Jayapura have a convincing goal difference advantage at the top of the table.