AFC Cup: Thongkhosiem Haokip strike helps Bengaluru edge Paro FC

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Bengaluru relied heavily on long-range crosses to reach the final third, but fine defending from the Bhutan Premier League champions denied the 2016 runners-up opportunities up front. With star striker Sunil Chhetri on the bench, Thongkhosiem Haokip and Spaniard Nili bore the burden of creating opportunities up front, but Paro were the side that kept pressing for the opening goal. The goalless stalemate was broken eight minutes into the second half when Haokip beat the offside trap to receive a perfectly timed through ball, before beating Paro goalkeeper Tobgay with a chipped effort. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="RELATED NEWS | ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] Carles Cuadrat reinforced Bengaluru's attacking prowess with the introduction of Chhetri, who replaced Roshan Singh in the 63rd minute, but the Blues struggled to extend their lead as Paro searched for the equaliser. Buoyed by a partisan crowd in the stands, Paro continuously created chances from the right flank but the Indian Super League champions held on to seal an important away win. Bengaluru will be hoping to maintain their fine form when they host the return leg next week in Bengaluru, India.