Bhubaneswar: A late goal by substitute Brison Fernandes (90+3’) ended Bengaluru FC’s hopes of making it out of Group D of the Super Cup, where nothing short of a win against FC Goa was enough for Gerard Zaragoza’s boys at the Kalinga Stadium, on Wednesday.
A combination of injuries (Keziah Veendorp), suspension (Ryan Williams) and international duty (Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Suresh Wangjam) meant the Spanish tactician had to rely on a young, and fairly inexperienced side who gave an impressive account of themselves, only to concede in injury time.
Zaragoza made two changes to the starting lineup that played against Odisha last Friday. Winger Rohit Danu replaced the suspended Williams, while young midfielder Harsh Patre, who has showcased his assuredness in the ISL, was recalled into the eleven to replace the injured skipper Veendorp.
Bengaluru were content to soak the pressure for most parts of the first half, picking their moments on the counter. Javi Hernandez had the Blues’ best chance, when he received the ball on the edge of the box, only to blast his take over.
Zaragoza chose to begin the second half with two changes, bringing young Shivaldo Singh and Rohit Kumar on for Rohit Danu and Harsh, as Bengaluru switched gears in attack. The Blues’ youngsters combined soon after, when Shivaldo charged into the box and cut the ball back for Lalremtluanga Fanai. The midfielder’s shot was on target before Carl McHugh turned up with the block.
Bengaluru grew into the game, and bossed possession when Zaragoza rolled in another change – bringing on twenty-four-year-old Ashish Jha for Sivasakthi, and the change almost proved to be an instant masterstroke. Slipped through on goal by Shivaldo, Jha’s attempted chip over an onrushing Dheeraj Singh while warding off pressure from Odei Onaindia, bounced inches wide of the goal.
The Blues kept making forays in the Goa third, but couldn’t seem to find the finish they so badly were in need of. Instead it was Goa, who against the run of play, found the back of the net when an unmarked Brison rose to head Muhammed Nemil’s cross past Sahil Poonia, giving Manolo Marquez three important points.
