Maiden Federation Cup crown for Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC clinched their maiden Federation Cup title when they edged past 10-man Dempo SC 2-1 in the summit clash here on Sunday.

Sunil Chhetri (10th minute) and substitute Robin Singh (65th) scored for the winners while Tolgay Ozbey (45+4) struck for the home team at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda here.

This was the second major title for Bengaluru FC in their two years of existence. They had won the I-League last season. Dempo, who won the title in 2004, finished runners-up for the fifth time.

Bengaluru defender Curtis Osano was declared the Hero of the Match and was awarded Rs 10,000. Dempo’s Romeo Fernandes, who scored four goals, was named the Hero of the Tournament and earned '1 lakh.

The match started at a slow pace but Bengaluru took the early lead. The team earned a penalty after Dempo defender Haroon Fakhruddin brought down Eugeneson Lyngdoh inside the box while going for an aerial ball from a corner.

Chhetri did not make any mistake from the spot, beating Dempo goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani to score his sixth goal of the tournament.

Dempo striker Tolgay Ozbey, who was equal with Chhetri on five goals coming into this match, then saw his effort miss the target by a whisker.

But the Goans did not have to wait long for the equaliser. Their persistent attack finally paid off as they earned a penalty in first half stoppage time when Johnson was penalized for tugging on Haroon Fakhruddin’s jersey inside the box.

Ozbey converted from the spot as the teams went into the break at 1-1.

Bengaluru started better in the second session and enjoyed better ball possession.

They took the lead in the 65th minute when a move down the right saw Thoi Singh send a measured cross for Robin to nod home a powerful header past diving Dempo custodian Laxmikant Kattimani.