Bengaluru FC lose to Altyn Asyr in AFC Cup inter-zonal semi-final second leg, bow out of Asia
(Courtesy : BFC Media)
The Blues return home, where they will prepare for the opener of the 2018-19 Indian Super League.
Carles Cuadrat’s Bengaluru FC bowed out of Asian competition after a 2-0 loss (5-2 aggregate) to Altyn Asyr FK in the second leg of their AFC Cup Inter-Zone semifinal, at the Kopetdag Stadium, in Ashgabat, on Wednesday. Second half goals from Altymyrat Annadurdyyev and Vahyt Orazsakhedov settled the tie in favour of the hosts after the Blues found the going tough in attack.
Earlier, Cuadrat rung in one change to the side that faced the Turkmenistan champions at home as Boithang Haokip dropped to the bench in favour of a returning Harmanjot Khabra. Rino Anto and Rahul Bheke joined Spaniard Juanan Gonzalez at the back as Nishu Kumar was pushed forward to add impetus to the Blues’ attack.
After a spell of holding the fort at the back, Bengaluru pushed high up with Miku and Sunil Chhetri creating back-to-back chances with less than half an hour on the clock. While the duo’s efforts went wide, Bengaluru gained momentum and had spells of possession. Udanta Singh and Nishu, attacking from either flank, had attempts of their own, but none dangerous to trouble Mamed Orazmuhamedov in the Altyn goal.
Watch: Altyn Asyr 2-0 Bengaluru FC highlights
The Blues had their best chance of the first period in the 38th minute when Miku fed Chhetri on the counter, but the skipper’s foray into the rival box was met with a strong tackle from an Altyn Asyr defender. Shouts for a penalty were waved away as referee Turki Al-Khudair chose to book the Blues’ number 11 instead.
While the first half was an even affair, the hosts struck twice early on in the second to effectively seal the tie. Annadurdyyev scored the opener in the 50th minute with a strike from the edge of the box that BFC ’keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu struggled to get his hand to.
ALSO READ:
Bengaluru FC look to overturn slender deficit in second leg against Altyn Asyr
Altyn Asyr stun Bengaluru in AFC Cup inter-zonal semi-final first leg
Outlining a possible routemap for Bengaluru FC under Carles Cuadrat
Striker Vahyt Orazsakhedov then added another with his third goal of the tie, tapping home from close after defender Mekan Saparov's strike from distance cannoned off the upright, making it 2-0 on the day and 5-2 on aggregate.
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]As the Blues kept on pushing ahead in search of the elusive goal, it was Altyn Asyr goalkeeper Mamed who pulled off two saves to keep the score unchanged. Miku, who managed to create a yard for himself, had his shot from distance palmed away in the 65th, before Chhetri’s shot was tipped onto the vertical.
The Blues return to Bengaluru, where they will prepare for the opener of the 2018-19 Indian Super League, against Chennaiyin FC, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on September 30th.
- Portugal announce squad for November international break; Cristiano Ronaldo picked again
- Mohun Bagan's Jose Molina reflects on upcoming Odisha FC challenge in ISL
- Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United FC Player Ratings: Ajaraie, Jithin shine as Gurpreet and Bheke disappoint | ISL 2024-25
- ISL 2024-25: Bengaluru FC share spoils with NorthEast United in four-goal thriller
- ISL 2024-25: Updated Points Table, most goals, and most assists after match 45, Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United FC
- Petr Kratky highlights this Mumbai City FC player's performance against Kerala Blasters
- Mohun Bagan not be fined by AFC after recognising their case as 'Event of Force Majeure'
- How much bonus did Vinicius Jr miss out on after losing Ballon d'Or 2024 award?
- Mats Hummels' girlfriend: Meet Nicola Cavanis, her job, Instagram & more
- Ballon d'Or 2024: List of all award winners
- Jithin MS on life struggles, ISL journey, Indian national team dream, growing up in Kerala & more
- Key talking points from England's November international break squad
- Top 10 most valuable U21 footballers in 2024
- Mikael Stahre highlights two 'key takeaways' from Kerala Blasters loss against Hyderabad FC
- ISL 2024-25: Full fixtures, schedule, results, standings & more