Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Vientiane: Lao Premier League champions Lao Toyota claimed their first-ever AFC Cup win after surviving playing the final 25 minutes with 10-men to edge out India’s JSW Bengaluru 2-1 on Wednesday.
Japanese striker Kazuo Homma opened the scoring for Lao, who posted three draws and three defeats on their AFC Cup debut last year, in just the second minute before Phatthana Syvilay added a second for the home side 11 minutes before half-time.
And with Indian Federation Cup winners Bengaluru only netting in the last minute through Chekiyot Kizhakkeveettil Vineeth after Lao’s Moukda Souksavath was sent-off just after the hour mark, the home side held on to make the perfect start in Group H.
“The club, the country is proud to collect the first three points ever in the history of a Lao club in this exciting competition,” said Lao coach Valakone Phomphakdy.
“After the red card in the second half we lost control of the game and my player started to be tired because we are still in the middle of the preparation for the upcoming Lao Premier League. But we fought well until the end against a robust opponent.
“To start with three points in the group is always good and we look forward to the next challenges.”
Lao made the ideal start as Itsuki Yamada stole the ball from Bengaluru’s Kenyan defender Curtis Osano and played in Homma, who netted with a simple finish after just two minutes.
But despite the early blow, the visitors regrouped as Alwyn George created a chance for Bengaluru.
Lao, though, doubled their lead after 34 minutes as Syvilay netted a free-kick from five yards outside of the penalty area following a handball by Bengaluru goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte.
Bengaluru continued to search for an equaliser and began the second half well as Michael Collins shot straight at Lao goalkeeper Vathana Keodouangdeth following good work from Udanta Singh.
And Bengaluru’s chances of a comeback were boosted with 25 minutes remaining as Lao’s Souksavath was sent-off after picking up two quickfire yellow cards.
The numerical advantage helped Bengaluru finish the final 20 minutes strongly as DPR Korea striker Kim Song-yong, England’s Collins and Udanta all had chances.
And finally the visitors were rewarded in the last minute as Vineeth shot past Lao goalkeeper Keodouangdeth.
But with Lalchhuan Mawia seeing a stoppage time free-kick hit the outside of the woodwork, Lao held onto their narrow advantage as the visitors fell agonisingly short.
“We started very slow and Lao Toyota punished our mistakes to put us two goals down so it was very difficult for us,” said Bengaluru coach Ashley Westwood.
“My team controlled the game but unfortunately we couldn’t scored enough goals and time ran away from us.
“The next matches are must-win for us. This is our next target."
Photo: Lagardère Sports