Bengaluru kept their title hopes with a crushing 3-1 win over Kingfisher East Bengal an exciting Hero I-League match here today.
In a match, which was labelled as a virtual semifinal, East Bengal took lead through Do Dong Hyun in the 28th minute but conceded three goals as Ashley Westwoods'side showed great character through strikes from Eugene Lyngdoh (29th), Kim Song Yong (64th), and youngster Zuala in the 70th minute.
With this win, BFC jumped to number one position with 29 points and East Bengal (24 points) are virtually out of title contention with two matches remaining.
The match began on an even keel with BFC making some fine moves with strikers Lyngdoh, Kim and Udanta Singh putting pressure on the opposition defence.
East Bengal however took the lead through Do Dong Hyun in 28th minute, but BFC came back strongly with an equalizer with Lyngdoh, who has had a good season so far, scoring a classic header from Kim after he had picked the ball on the right before sending it to the scorer.
East Bengal, on the other hand, did not play to their potential in the second half after being competitive in the early part of the first half.
The third goal for the home side came in 70th minute after Rehenesh spilled the ball into the net after he could not bear a powerful Zuala strike.
Earlier in the first half, both teams had chances to score goals but could not capitalise.
Prior to this, BFC missed a chance in 21st minute as Chhuantea crossed and Rehenesh palmed it into the path of Kim, who was unable to get a shot on target.
In 37th minute, Rehenesh brought about a spectacular save off Kim's header from Chhuantea's cross. BFC also a chance in the 36th minute as Udanta's cross into the box was met by Chhetri but was blocked away.
