Haokips, Daniel strike as Bengaluru FC beat Transport United in AFC Cup

Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC made light work of Transport United, beating the club from Bhutan 3-0 at the Kanteerava Stadium, on Tuesday, to progress to the play-off stages of the AFC Cup. Goals from Boithang Haokip (27'), Daniel Lalhlimpuia (54') and Thongkhosiem Haokip (62') got the job done for Albert Roca's side who will now play one of TC Sports Club (Maldives) or Saif (Bangladesh) over two legs for a place in the Group Stages of the continental competition.

Goal woes

Finally a goal for Daniel.... a fantastic long ranger.. #BENvTRA

— FutbollWalla (@vivekmohan81) January 30, 2018

Roca's changes to squad from the one that drew goalless in Bhutan had Juanan Gonzalez, Harmanjot Khabra starting in a XI that had Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Thongkhosiem Haokip paired up in attack. Sunil Chhetri was named on the bench.

After spells of toying with the visitors but struggling to stick the ball at the back of the net, Bengaluru had their opener in the 27th minute when Haokip rose to head home Thongkhosiem' s chip beyond Hari Gurung. To the Transport United goalkeeper's credit, he pulled off more just a few saves to keep his side alive in the first half. There was a Lalhlimpuia attempt that Gurung palmed over and then a Zohmingliana Ralte header that he clutched on to.

20' Pass, pass, pass, pass and Nishu is through but his shot is saved by Gurung! What's it going to take to score? 0-0. #BENvTRA pic.twitter.com/iocSyrjpya

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) January 30, 2018

But Lalhlimpuia, who has been fighting hard to end a goal drought, turned up with a beauty in the 54th minute to make it 2-0. Picking the ball 25-yards out, the striker let fly with his left, leaving Gurung absolutely no chance at all.

Could have won this with a 10-0 scoreline but the youngsters missed the final touch so many close chances. But good experience for the youngsters to show their talent. The midfield was excellent today but missed quality strikers. Let's win this @AFCCup #BENvTRA

— BlueNinja (@pawan_9000) January 30, 2018

Bengaluru soon got more comfortable in front of goal and Thongkhosiem got himself on the score sheet in the 62nd minute. Khabra, put the ball over a defender before laying it up for the striker who didn't struggle with the finish.

Roca, who started the second half with a change, throwing in Subhasish Bose for Gonzalez, handed Myron Mendes his Bengaluru debut when he brought on the youngster for Malsawmzuala.

Even the Pharaohs would love to be at fortress today, come on @bengalurufc 💪💪 #BluesInAsia #BENvTRA pic.twitter.com/trRcN4Nf15

— Karthik Doddaballapura (@dkart34) January 30, 2018

With a three-goal cushion, Bengaluru were happy to pass the ball around without breaking any sweat. There were a few chances that Gurung kept at bay, while Alwyn George's dink over the 'keeper in the last minute had a little too much on it.

Bengaluru now switch focus to the Indian Super League where two away games against ATK (Feb 3) and Chennaiyin FC (Feb 6) await Roca's league-leaders.

Source: BFC Media