Next Generation Cup 2022 review: Bengaluru FC

The team ended fourth in the competition.

Bengaluru FC finished their Next Generation Cup campaign with a 6-1 loss to Nottingham Forest. In their opener, Leicester City trounced them in a high-scoring 6-3 affair. Although the results look bleak on paper, the Blue Colts have learned a lot from these two games and a prior friendly against AFC Wimbledon where they emerged victorious.

The BFC Reserves qualified for the competition after winning the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). We take a look at what the Indian youngsters learnt from the Next Gen Cup 2022.

Bengaluru FC vs Leicester City

Bengaluru's 6-3 loss against the Foxes produced the most memorable moments from their UK tour. They even earned the praise of Leicester City's academy coach Leon McSweeney. After conceding six goals within an hour, the Blues were staring at a double-digit figure score-line unless some miracle happened. Goalkeeper Sharon Padattil was subbed off for Dipesh Chauhan at the half-hour mark. By then the team had already conceded four goals. The 21-year-old shot-stopper put in the performance of his lifetime in the remaining hour of play.

Save after save, the man from Uttar Pradesh stood unfazed against the waves of Leicester attack led by Christopher Popov, Will Alves, and Terell Pennant. His saves instilled confidence in the side that turned the tables around in the second half. Sivasakthi Narayanan got himself a brace while Damaitphang Lyngdoh fired in a rocket.

Bengaluru's high pressing was particularly impressive. However, it often allowed Leicester to launch attacks when BFC's midfielders were high up the pitch. It resulted in conceding early goals. An organized press really troubled Leicester's defence specially when Sivasakthi and Akashdeep Singh pressed.

Bengaluru FC vs Nottingham Forest

It was largely a one-sided affair against Nottingham Forest's youth side. The game ended in a comprehensive 6-1 win for the Reds. The brightest move of the game was Bengaluru FC's solitary goal.

Dipesh launched the ball to Akashdeep on the left flank. Lyngdoh picked up the ball in midfield and sprayed it out to Sivasakthi on the right wing. He played a through-ball to Bekey who crossed it to Kamalesh. The 18-year-old tucked it in on his left foot to complete a gem of a team goal.