RFDL: Bengaluru FC retains crown in a nail-biting finale
Bengaluru FC defeated Sudeva Delhi FC on 4-3 in penalties to emerge victorious in the final of the second season of the Reliance Foundation Developmental League (RFDL) in Navi Mumbai tonight.
The Blues defended their title in style as they held their nerves in a tense shootout after a highly-motivated Sudeva unit put them behind twice in regulation time. The game ended 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes and only the barest of margins separated these two incredibly promising teams in the summit clash of the RFDL.
Sudeva opened the scoring with Seilanthang Lotjem capitalizing on a cross from the right flank to round off a fine finish in the 17th minute. Lotjem helped his team build up that play from the midfield, running through the inner channel to comfortably receive the pass and convert the opportunity to net the first goal of the night.
However, Bengaluru didn’t hold back thereafter. They immediately began counter-attacking and putting up numbers ahead, which resulted in Sudeva conceding a spot-kick to the Blues. Their star midfielder Huidrom Thoi Singh broke no sweat in equalizing the scores as both teams headed into half-time with the match hanging properly in balance.
The second essay kicked off with Sudeva gradually regaining its hold over the proceedings. They were composed in possession and made Bengaluru work hard to get the ball back at the center of the park. Sudeva’s midfielder Daniel Gurung made a quick run to get at the end of a long ball from the backline and put it past the Bengaluru goalkeeper Sharon in the 48th minute.
The Blues yet again had to push hard to regain lost ground. They became more assertive with the ball at their feet, often attempting positive passes that could help them swing the game back in their favor. Their efforts bore fruit with substitute forward Satendra Singh Yadav coming off the bench to hit a powerful strike from the edge of the box to yet again level the scores and eventually force the game into a penalty shootout. Bengaluru’s skipper Sharon dived well on his right side to deny Sudeva’s forward Ramesh Chhetri the final spot-kick and led his boys to an emphatic win at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP).
“The quality of the players is really good. So, we knew that whatever happens, we would fight back. Whether we concede or not, it doesn’t matter. Because the players are of really good quality and we knew what our plans were. We played according to our plans and finally got the result that we wanted, so that’s what matters,” Bengaluru FC coach Kaizad Ambapardiwalla reflected on the fighting spirit demonstrated by his team by bouncing back twice to equalize during the match.
“It was a great journey and especially for Sudeva to be here in our first time in the tournament, hats off to the boys, you know! The young boys got a lot of matches so we have more experience than before. It has been a great platform for the boys to showcase their talent. We have a lot of academy players, who got a chance to play here. So definitely it will help Sudeva and it was a fantastic journey,” Sudeva Delhi FC coach Chencho Dorji spoke about the learning and takeaways for his players from their inspired run in the RFDL.
Final Score: Bengaluru FC (Thoi Singh 23’, Satendra Singh Yadav 67’) 2 (4)– 2 (3) Sudeva Delhi FC (Seilenthang Lotjem 17’, Daniel Gurung 48’)
Also Read: RFDL: ATK Mohun Bagan seal third-place
Also Read: Federation declares PK Banerjee’s birthday as AIFF Grassroots Day
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…