RFDL Japan tour concludes with Bengaluru FC's strong finish and FC Goa's maiden win
Bengaluru FC ended their RFDL Japan tour on a perfect run
The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) Japan Exposure Tour concluded on a positive note as Bengaluru FC and FC Goa registered impressive victories on the final matchday, while Punjab FC were denied a win dramatically after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser.
The RFDL sides, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC & Punjab FC played their U-21 sides while the Japanese teams fielded their U-18 sides against the Indian teams.
In this article, we take a look at the results of the RFDL Japan tour’s final matchday.
Punjab FC fall short against FC Baleine Shimonoseki
Punjab FC looked set to end the tour with another victory after Singamayum Shami’s 38th-minute strike gave them the lead against Baleine Shimonoseki.
Following their resounding 5-0 thrashing of Avispa Fukuoka U18 and a commanding 3-1 victory over Giravanz Kitakyushu, ‘The Shers’ entered their final fixture aiming to complete a perfect tour. While the penalty shoot-out did not go their way, the Indian side finish the exposure tour unbeaten in regulation time.
However, Koyama Hanu scored in the second minute of stoppage time to level the scores at 1-1 and force a penalty shootout. Punjab narrowly lost the shootout 7-6 despite another spirited display.
Bengaluru FC finish the Japan tour with three wins in three games
Bengaluru FC capped off a flawless tour, holding Avispa Fukuoka to a goalless draw before emerging 4-3 winners in the penalty shootout.
The Blues showcased defensive resilience throughout the contest and kept their composure from the spot to secure their third win in three matches, ending the exposure tour with a perfect record.
Also Read: RFDL Japan tour matchday 2 concludes as Punjab FC, Bengaluru FC shine & FC Goa fall on penalties
FC Goa Sign Off with Maiden Win
FC Goa rounded off their campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Giravanz Kitakyushu. Malsawmtluanga opened the scoring in the 10th minute to give the Gaurs an early advantage before Sojiro equalised shortly after the restart.
FC Goa responded strongly, with Sitroy Carvalho and Shawn Fernandes finding the back of the net in the second half to seal their first win of the tour.
Japan exposure tour ends on a high note for India’s U-21 clubs
The Japan Exposure Tour, organised by Reliance Foundation as part of the RFDL pathway, provided India’s leading U-21 clubs with invaluable international experience against Japanese opposition.
Across the tour, the teams were challenged by different playing styles, high-intensity competition and a professional football environment, offering players and staff important learning opportunities both on and off the pitch.
With Bengaluru FC completing a perfect tour, FC Goa finishing on a winning note and Punjab FC delivering consistently competitive performances, the exposure tour marked another important milestone in bridging the gap between youth and senior football while preparing India’s next generation of footballers for the global stage.
Which team finished the RFDL Japan Exposure Tour with a perfect record?
Bengaluru FC completed the RFDL Japan tour with three wins from three matches, ending their campaign by defeating Avispa Fukuoka 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
What happened in Punjab FC’s final game?
Punjab FC led through Singamayum Shami’s goal but conceded a stoppage-time equaliser against Baleine Shimonoseki. They eventually lost 7-6 in the penalty shootout.
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Rohit Mistri is a sports journalist from Kolkata with over two years of experience in the field. He has extensively covered Indian football, including major tournaments such as the Calcutta Football League and the Indian Super League. His work spans on-ground reporting, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling, along with interviews of prominent sporting personalities. Rohit brings strong communication skills and a deep passion for sports narratives to everything he writes.