DABOLIM/ MARGAO: Bengaluru Football Club edged past Salgaocar Football Club 3-2 in the opening match of 36th Federation Cup, at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Sunday.The recently crowned AIFF Player of the year, Sunil Chhetri stole the show as the India skipper netted a brace in the 25th and 40th minutes and also assisted Sean Rooney for the side’s third goal in the 45th minute. The Green Brigade scored through Gurjinder Kumar (33rd) and Douhou Pierre (41st).The first half saw goals galore. It was an exciting encounter between the current I-League holders and the Durand Cup champions from Goa.Benagluru were comfortable and made them selves feel at home, exerting pressure on their opponents early on with several flag-kicks in the first five minutes.
Salgaocar just seemed to get into a rhythm but received a set back after Pawan Kumar handled the ball in the danger zone off an effort by Rooney, prompting the referee to point out to the spot-kick. Chhetri stepped up for the resultant penalty and coolly slotted past Subrata Paul, who made his debut for Salgaocar.
However, with the fans behind the home team, it helped Salgaocar to equalize in the 33rd minute as Gurjinder executed a delightful free-kick.
Bengaluru remained composed and Johnson found Beingaicho lurking on the flank and the latter’s perfect cross was calmly slotted by Chhetri in the 39th minute, 2-1.
Their party was short-lived as the hosts soon made it 2-2 through Douhou after the Ivorian capitalized on a defensive mix up and lashed the ball past Bengaluru keeper Lalthuammawia Ralte.
The away side were never content with the scoreline and just before the lemon break Chhetri sent in a defense splitting pass to Rooney, who made no mistake to find the target.
The second half saw tempers flaring between the two sides as Bengaluru looked more content to sit on their one goal lead and Salgaocar tried to come back into the game from the third time.
Chances were few and far between post the breather with the expected late rush from the trailing outfit, but the I-League champions stood firm and saw it through to register the first full points.
Bengaluru FC play Mohun Bagan on December 30 while Salgaocar take on Shillong Lajong on new year’s eve.
Our Margao correspondent adds: Promising striker Jackichand Singh impressed one and all with his virtuoso display that helped Royal Wahingdoh FC upend Mumbai FC 2-1 in a Group A encounter, at Nehru stadium, here.
The Manipuri striker who was the cynosure of all eyes in last season’s 2nd Division League becoming the top scorer, bagged two goals either side of halftime to steer the Shillong side clear in their first Federation Cup outing. Josimar da Silva reduced the arrears in the 71st minute but it was too little too late.
