Bengaluru FC’s U13s went down 2-1 to RoundGlass Punjab FC in their second encounter of the U13 JSW Youth Cup at the JSW Township, in Bellary, on Tuesday. Midfielder Lamminthang scored twice (22′, 26′) in the first half, making Aalhaad Hate’s second-half free-kick (46′) merely a consolation.

RoundGlass Punjab were relentless in the first half and kept the pressure on the Young Blues from the get-go. Dhruv Bafna’s heroics kept the BFC U13 Boys in the game with some fine saves in the first twenty minutes.

A well-worked corner from RoundGlass found Lamminthang unmarked in the box, and the midfielder pounced on the opportunity to smash it into the back of the net from close range to give his side the lead. Only four minutes later, Lalgousem Tuboi played a through ball to Lamminthang and the goalscorer added to his tally by bending his effort past the reach of Bafna and into the far corner to double the lead.

Despite the deficit, the Young Blues held their own for the remainder of the first period, overcoming waves of RoundGlass attacks until the referee blew the whistle for the break. The hosts looked a different outfit at the restart, and were more efficient on the ball, creating chances and maintaining possession for a vast majority of the half.

Having won a free-kick near the corner flag, Aalhaad stepped up and whipped the ball with pace and power to find the back of the net. Back in the game at 2-1, Miran Kaping had a chance to score an equalizer late on when he was found unmarked in the 18-yard-box, but the striker couldn’t get the ball under control in time to get a shot on target.

Bengaluru FC next face FC Goa, on 21st April, at the same venue.

(Bengaluru FC)