Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Yangon: Captain Sunil Chhetri scored the only goal of the game India’s JSW Bengaluru claimed their first win in Group H of the AFC Cup with a 1-0 victory over Ayeyawady United of Myanmar on Wednesday.
After an even opening 45 minutes at Yangon’s Youth Training Centre, Bengaluru opened the scoring when Chhetri bundled the ball into the back of the net from 12 yards on 34 minutes.
The home side pushed for the equaliser in the second half, but Yangon were unable to breach the Bengaluru backline as the I-League side held out to move level on points with their opponents.
“Home advantage is quite key as Ayeyawady had not lost a home game in three and a half years,” said Bengaluru coach Ashley Westwood.
“But we always knew we’d get chances as they are an attacking side.
“We have home games to Lao and Ayeyawady. Win both and we have nine points, then we have Johor who will hopefully have qualified by then. The fixtures have been kind to us. It is in our own hands.”
The visitors went in front 11 minutes before the interval when Udanta Singh squared to Chhetri, and although the frontman mishit his left foot strike, the ball bounced past goalkeeper Vanal Hruai into the back of the net.
Shortly before the interval Ayeyawady were awarded an indirect free-kick just inside the penalty area, but Christopher Iyikwobe fired wide after the ball was laid back to him.
Ayeyawady controlled the second half but were unable to make their dominance count before Singh should have sealed the win in the final 10 minutes when he raced through on goal only to see his effort miss the target with just the home custodian to beat.
“At this moment we don’t have hope,” said Ayeyawady coach Kyaw Lwin. “Today’s game was decisive for us; there is no hope left.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports