PANJIM: Bengaluru FC beat RF Young Champs 2-0 with goals from midfielder Bekey Oram (24th) and substitute striker Rahul Raju (90+3) on either side of halftime at the Benaulim ground. The RF Young Champs, the youngest team in the tournament, put out a strong performance in the second period but a late goal from second-half substitute Raju put paid to their efforts after Oram had given the Blues’ an early lead. Bengaluru started the game on the front foot creating a lot of chances through Sivasakthi Narayanan, part of their senior team as well, and Huidrom Thoi Singh. At right-back, Namgyal Bhutia also put in a terrific shift to eventually help his side take the lead when a move led to Oram trying his luck from just outside the box, the ball taking a deflection off a RF Young Champs shirt to balloon over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. RF Young Champs got their best chance of the half when Sanan Mohammed K’s header was tipped over the bar after Salman Faris found him with a delectable cross. The second half saw both teams fighting it out in the middle of the park with few injuries to either side affecting the tempo of the game. Just on the cusp of full time, Bengaluru doubled their margin with substitutes Raju and Omega combining for a goal, the former crossing for the latter inside the area and Raju deftly nodding home from close range.
Bengaluru FC beat RFYC 2-0
