Chhetri helps Bengaluru beat Myanmar club 1-0 in AFC Cup

Yangon, March 16: Captain Sunil Chhetri scored the only goal of the game as Bengaluru FC claimed their first win in Group H of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup with a 1-0 victory over Ayeyawady United of Myanmar here on Wednesday.

After an even opening first half at Yangon’s Youth Training Centre, Bengaluru opened the scoring when Chhetri bundled the ball into the back of the net from 12 yards on 34 minutes. The visitors went in front 11 minutes before the interval when Udanta Singh squared to Chhetri, and although the frontman mishit his left foot strike, the ball bounced past goalkeeper Val Hruai into the back of the net. The home side pushed for the equaliser in the second half, but Yangon were uble to breach the Bengaluru backline as the I-League side held out to move level on points with their opponents.

“Home advantage is quite key as Ayeyawady had not lost a home game in three and a half years,” said Bengaluru coach Ashley Westwood after the match. “But we always knew we’d get chances as they are an attacking side. We have home games to Lao and Ayeyawady. Win both and we have nine points, then we have Johor who will hopefully have qualified by then. The fixtures have been kind to us. It is in our own hands.” Bengaluru now are third on the four-team group with three points after three matches. (IANS)