New Radiant surprises BFC

Bengaluru FC suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to New Radiant FC in its Group E AFC Cup encounter in the Maldives on Wednesday. The result leaves the group wide open, with both teams level on nine points.

Eduard Gasol took charge of BFC in the absence of the suspended Albert Roca as the side made seven changes to the starting XI with Juanan, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose, Victor Perez, Lenny Rodrigues, Udanta Singh and skipper Sunil Chhetri all returning to the team.

However, the visitor looked a shadow of the outfit that had lifted the Super Cup back home last week, going behind in the 30th minute when Ali Fasir finished a move down the left with a strike past Lalthuammawia Ralte. Chhetri found himself through on goal in the 36th minute but was denied by the 'keeper.

With Roca passing on instructions from the stands, BFC made two changes for the second half, pulling off Paartalu and Rodrigues for Malsawmzuala and Boithang Haokip. But a defensive error from Bheke helped Ali Ashfaq score a second for the host and kill the game off.

Bengaluru will host domestic rival Aizawl FC in its next game on May 2 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

The result: New Radiant FC 2 (Ali Fasir 30, Ali Ashfaq 47) bt Bengaluru FC 0.