Transport United held India’s Bengaluru FC to a nil-nil draw in the first leg of the AFC Cup South Asian Zone Preliminary Round Qualifier, yesterday. Bengaluru FC endured a frustrating evening at the Changlimithang where they could not create any clear cut scoring opportunities.
Starting the match as clear favourites, this match was Bengaluru FC’s to lose. However, Transport United took the match to Bengaluru and matched every attack with attack. Transport United came close to opening the scoring on few occasions in the first half.
Transport United players were afforded a lot of time in the first half, and their rugged defending gave Bengaluru FC forwards little joy in the first half. Second half was more of Bengaluru FC attacking and Transport United defending. Bengaluru pressed the ball high up the pitch, offering little space for Transport United to expand their play.
Bengaluru created few open scoring opportunities but forwards could not manage to find the net. A frustrating evening for Bengaluru and a lot to learn from before the second leg match next Tuesday in Bengaluru. For Transport United, a positive result with the draw and a confidence booster ahead of the next match.
