AFC Cup 2016: Bengaluru FC hold Tampines Rovers 0-0 to qualify for semi-final on aggregate

Bengaluru, Sep 21: Bengaluru FC makes history as they becomes third Indian club to reach the semi-final of the AFC Cup after Dempo SC and Kingfisher East Bengal.

The Indian club successfully held Singaporean outfit Tampines Rovers for 0-0 draw in the second-leg to assure a berth in the semis. They had beaten Tampines 1-0 in the first leg last week at Bengaluru.

Bengaluru FC came on to the match with a cushion of 1 goal thanks to CK Vineeth's strike in the first leg. Tampines Rovers understably looked the more aggresive side from the very beginning of the game.

The attacking trio of Jordan Webb, Jermaine Pennant and Billy Mehmet imposed a lot of threat on the Bengaluru FC defence.

Albert Roca retained the same starting XI from last week as youngster Nishu Kumar got yet another chance at the big stage.

The Spaniard's intentions were clear. The Indian side went into a defensive mould from the very beginning and focused on counter-attacks.

New Spanish recruit Juanan and old warhorse John Johnson were like two pillars at the heart of Bengaluru FC's defence and intercepted almost each and every opponent's attack and nullfied them.

The away team came close in just one instance in the first half. They had won a free-kick 30 yards away from the goal. Cameron Watson floated a cross at the right side of the penalty box which was received by CK vineeth.

The forward passed it diagonally towards Eugeneson Lyngdoh in front of the far post but the midfielder failed to tap in.

In the second half Bengaluru FC once again restricted themselves to playing counter attacking football with Tampines Rovers clearly dominating the proceedings.

Even though the home side had the lion's share of possession, they hardly got clear cut chances of scoring.

OneIndia News