Bengaluru FC finish third in the JSW U-18 Youth Cup

They defeated Dempo DC 1-0 in the third-place encounter of the tournament.

Bengaluru FC picked up a 1-0 victory over Dempo SC in the third-place encounter of the U18 JSW Youth Cup, that took place at the JSW Vidyanagar Township Football Ground, on Sunday. Lalthangliana’s goal (56’) was the difference between the two sides, while Manik Baliyan kept his second clean sheet in as many games.

The game began with both sides struggling to get a grip, eager to find the opener and cautious in their approach. The midfield saw most of the action in the opening stages, as Bengaluru FC midfielders Lalhmingchhuanga F and Fanai Lalremtluanga ran the show for Sachin Badadhe’s side.

The first shot on target came from Clarence Fernandes, the defender took a freekick right outside the 18 yard-box, but Manik was first to it and tipped it behind for a Dempo SC corner. The referee blew the whistle for halftime with both teams yet to score.

Into the second half, the Blue Colts started off with an attacking mindset and had the Dempo SC backline on the ropes. Lalthangliana, having picked up a pass outside the Dempo box, shifted it to his favoured right, and curled it beyond the reach of Myrick Hilario to give the Blue Colts the lead just shy of the hour mark.

The action picked up in the final minutes of regulation time with Dempo SC pushing for the equaliser, which they almost scored when Sairon Albuquerque hit the crossbar with only five minutes left to play. Into added time, the side from Goa almost found the back of the net once again, but Manik’s heroics once again denied Arnold Oliveira from close range. 

The Blue Colts kept their composure and held on to the lead till the final whistle, as they finished the U18 JSW Youth Cup in third place.

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