Bengaluru FC U-13 forward Miran Kaping in action against FC Goa, in the U13 JSW Youth Cup. (Photo courtesy: Bengaluru FC)
Bengaluru FC’s U13s cruised past FC Goa with a 4-0 victory in the U13 JSW Youth Cup at the JSW Township, in Bellary, on Thursday. Goals from Sehajvir Singh (15′), Yajas Bafna (22′) and Aalhaad Hate (50′), and an own-goal from Cayden Rodrigues (35’) gave the Young Blues a comfortable win.
Determined to get their first points on the board, the hosts came out all guns blazing in the first half and maintained pressure on the Goa backline for much of the first period. The Young Blues had the first chance of the game through Aalhaad, but the defender’s effort from a set-piece was saved by Vladmer Gomes in the Goa goal.
Bengaluru broke the deadlock in the 15th minute, when Atul Pulipra’s dart down the flank was followed by a low cross for Sehajvir to meet. The striker made no mistake, tapping home from close range. Shortly after, BFC doubled their lead when Miran Kaping dribbled past three FC Goa defenders before finding Yajas in space, who looped it over Gomes.
The Young Blues had a comfortable lead going into the break after Yajas’ strike in the final minute of the first period took a deflection off Cayden Rodrigues and evaded Gomes to make it 3-0.
Into the second half, Ajay Chorge’s side had Goa on the ropes once again, creating chances aplenty and posing a constant threat in the final third. Aalhaad made it three goals in as many games, firing home Bengaluru’s fourth and final goal of the game after Atul’s shot from distance was spilt by the goalkeeper. Sensing his opportunity, Aalhaad pounced on the loose ball and smashed it into the back of the net.
Eager to close the game out, Chorge made seven changes in the second half and kept their composure to take home three points, their first of the U13 JSW Youth Cup. Bengaluru next face Sudeva FC, on 23rd April, at the same venue.
(Bengaluru FC)