South Zone: Bengaluru FC v TC Sports Club

Bengaluru FC, the 2016 runners-up, claimed a narrow 3-2 win over TC Sports Club in the first leg, with Haokip Thongkhosiem scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute to stop the Maldivians a late revival.

Bengaluru FC will have the upper hand on Tuesday, thanks to their first leg exploits, but there is no doubt that TC Sports will be up for the challenge.

The winners of the South Zone Play-off will join Aizawl FC, New Radiant and Abahani Limited Dhaka in Group E.

Bengaluru FC v TC Sports Club
Venue: Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore
Kick-off: 2000 (local time)

 

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Indian side Bengaluru led 2-0, only for TC Sports Club to draw level before Haokip Thongkhosiem scored his second of the night to ensure the 2016 runners-up take a lead into next week's return leg.

After a scoreless first half, the match burst into life after the half-time break with Thongkhosiem's glancing header off a corner in the 51st minute giving Bengaluru the lead.

Another corner in the 69th minute saw Bengaluru widening their lead with Erik Paartalu nodding home.

Ri Chang-ho gave the Koreans the lead with his ninth minute strike, and Ri Song doubled his side’s advantage in the 41st minute at the MFF Football Centre.

Erchim were more passionate in the second half, looking to reduce their deficit, but a goal eluded them.

Hwaepul eventually broke through the Mongolian defence again five minutes from time with Ri Il-san etching his name on the scoresheet, before Chang-ho scored his second in added time to secure a convincing win and a healthy advantage ahead of the return leg next week.

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