CHHETRI’S BOYS LOSE TO JAMSHEDPUR

BENGALURU: Bengaluru FC suffered their second successive defeat in the Indian Super League (ISL) as they went down 0-1 to Jamshedpur FC at the Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore on Thursday evening. Trindade Goncalves successfully converted the penalty after Rahul Bheke brought down substitute Sameehg Doutie inside the box.

Albert Roca made three changes in the starting XI. Eric Paartalu was brought back to the team relegating Toni Dovale to the bench. Udanta Singh too made a comeback in place of Lenny Rodrigues and Subhashish Bose replaced Nishu Kumar in the left back position.

Jamshedpur FC coach Steve Coppell too made a couple of changes in the visitors’ lineup. Siddharth Singh made way for Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Kervens Belfort replaced Izu Azuka upfront.

After a disappointing defeat against Chennaiyin FC in their last match, The Blues were expected to produce attacking football against Jamshedpur and go for all three points in this crucial home fixture. Albert Roca’s men did exactly the same thing right from the word go.

The visitors as usual to the back seat and focused on counter attacks.

First major chance for Bengaluru came in the 23rd minute when Edu Garcia chipped the ball towards Sunil Chhetri on the right who was standing at the far post. The Blues skipper attempted a shot at goal which hit the side net and went out.

Minutes later, Miku attempted a long range shot at the goal from the edge of box which unevenly bounced in front of Subrata Paul. The India international custodian did a fine job in collecting the ball in a tough situation.

Jamshedpur’s midfield linchpin Mehtab Hossain had to leave the field in 38th minute after he suffered a back injury. It was indeed a huge blow for Steve Coppell’s side as they heavily depend upon the veteran Indian midfielder. Farukh Choudhary replaced Mehtab. Mehtab’s substitution meant that Trinidade Goncalves would track back supporting Memo in the central midfield and Farukh would play just behind Belfort.

It was all square at half time as neither Bengaluru nor Jamshedpur could break the deadlock.