Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bangalore: Daniel Lalhlimpuia’s 72nd minute strike handed India's JSW Bengaluru a winning start to their 2018 AFC Cup campaign as they defeated Abahani Limited Dhaka in Group E on Wednesday.
The visitor nearly caused an early shock when Mohammed Mamun Miah spotted goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte off his line and went for the spectacular, attempting an effort from near the halfway line, but his shot ended up just over the crossbar.
Bengaluru slowly grew into the match and had their best chance 10 minutes after the break when Asheer Akhtar crossed for Thongkhosiem Haokip whose first-time attempt went agonisingly close but missed the upright.
Following a well worked attacking build up, Alwyn George found space on the right wing to cross for Daniel Segovia whose cushioned header set up Lalhimpuia to fire home on the half volley, to register the only goal of the match for the Indian side.
Bengaluru’s next match sees them lock horns with fellow Indian side Aizawl on April 5 while the Bangladeshi side take their turn in travelling to Aizawl’s ground six days later.