JSW Bengaluru FC came from behind in style to defeat FC Aizawl 3-1 in their 2018 AFC Cup Group E clash at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday.
Playing amidst rainy conditions in Guwahati, it was Aizawl who made the breakthrough as early as the fifth minute. The goal came after a bit of good fortune, as the ball ricocheted in off the shin of Aizawl’s Ivorian striker Leonce Dodoz after a clearance from Bengaluru goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte.
Bengaluru looked to get back on level terms straightaway, with both Erik Paartalu and Victor Perez coming close to equalising for Albert Roca’s side only to see their efforts sail over the crossbar.
At the stroke of half-time, Bengaluru finally got the goal they needed. Daniel Segovia coolly slotted home his first goal for the club from a penalty that was awarded after Dodoz handled the ball in the box.
After the restart, Segovia was given the opportunity to put his side in the lead in the 53rd minute, when Bengaluru were awarded another spot kick for a foul on Subhashish Bose. This time, however, the Spanish striker’s effort crashed off the post and went out.
Fortunately for Bengaluru, they took the lead ten minutes later through Rahul Bheke, who headed in Alwyn George’s teasing cross. The visitors then went 3-1 up in the 77th minute, when substitute Daniel Lalhlimpuia sent a low strike past Aizawl custodian Avilash Paul.
The two teams have home games coming up on matchday Three, with Bengaluru hosting New Radiant of Maldives, while Aizawl play Bangladesh’s Abahani Limited Dhaka.
