Bengaluru FC’s bid to reach the AFC Cup final for the second consecutive year ended in heart-break after a 2-2 draw with FC Istiklol of Tajikistan in the second leg of the Inter-Zone final yesterday
Bengaluru FC’s bid to reach the AFC Cup final for the second consecutive year ended in heart-break after a 2-2 draw with FC Istiklol of Tajikistan in the second leg of the Inter-Zone final yesterday.
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Needing to overturn a 0-1 first leg defeat in their away match, Bengaluru conceded a goal as early as the fourth minute when the Tajikistan side scored through a penalty converted by Nuriddin Davronov. Bengaluru equalised in the 24th minute through Rahul Bheke but they were reduced to 10 men as Harmanjot Khabra was shown a red card in the 42nd minute to virtually seal the fate of Albert Roca’s side.
Last edition runners-up side Bengaluru played the whole of the second half with 10 men and FC Istiklol capitalised on the advantage to take the lead in the 56th minute through a goal by Dmitri Barkov.
Sunil Chhetri restored parity in the 65th minute but that was not enough for his side to advance further as Istiklol enter the final on 3-2 aggregate.
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