Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bangalore: Nishu Kumar’s added time strike was the difference as JSW Bengaluru overcame New Radiant SC 1-0 in Group E of the 2018 AFC Cup on Tuesday.
The visitors from the Maldives dominated possession at the proceedings, but the game’s first dangerous chance fell Bengaluru’s way 15 minutes in, when goalkeeper Imran Mohamed’s poor clearance landed at the feet of Thongkhosiem Haokip whose first-time attempt was cleared off the goal-line.
Harmanjot Khabra tried his luck on the half-volley in the 32nd minute. The midfielder met Haokip’s cross from the right flank on the half volley but saw his effort sail wide off the post.
As the match drew to a close, the Indian side finally found the winner when talisman Sunil Chettri advanced through on goal before selflessly squaring for Kumar to tap into the empty net and earn Bengaluru their third win in three.
New Radiant’s first defeat leaves them three points behind Bengaluru who continue to lead the group with nine points. The two sides swap hosting duties as Bengaluru travel to the Maldives on Matchday Four later this month.