AFC Cup: Bengaluru edge past Lao to seal knock-out berth

Bengaluru FC’s Kim Song-Yong (left) in action against a Lao Toyota player in their AFC Cup Group H match in Bengaluru on Wednesday. (Photo: R. Samuel)

A goal apiece from Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Kim Song-Yong on either side of the break saw Bengaluru FC claim a 2-1 win over Lao Toyota in the AFC Cup Group H clash at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Wednesday. For the visitors, Kazuo Homma struck the lone goal.

With the win, the Garden City side booked their spot in the knock-out rounds of the competition confirming the second spot with nine points. Johor Darul Ta’zim were already assured of the top spot.

As expected, Ashley Westwood named a strong XI with the lone change being Keegan Pereira at centre back in place of Curtis Osano.

The home side began strongly, winning corner after corner including one which saw goalkeeper Vathana Kedoiangde desperately diving on the ball after a penalty box scuffle.

Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh was a constant threat with the former using his guile to lure players into committing while the latter’s pace often left defenders tied in knots. The duo, who frequently changed flanks, were involved in the bulk of the attacks, forcing two saves within the first 20 minutes.

The visiting side meanwhile had a long shot from Sivongthong Khoutana saved before Homma turned Keegan inside the box and fired just wide.

The goal finally came just before the break when Michael Collins found space and time on the right flank to loft in a cross which was met with a header by Lyngdoh to direct the ball into the far corner.

The second half saw BFC pick up where they left of. Udanta almost doubled the lead in the 59th minute but the square ball from Kim had too much on it.

The JSW-side added to their lead as in the next minute when a delicious lofted throughball from Lyngdoh freed Chhetri to square the ball for the North Korean striker Kim to slide it in his first goal of the competition.