Lyngdoh gives Bengaluru edge against Johor in AFC Cup semis

India midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh scored a crucial goal as I-League champions Bengaluru FC held Malaysia's Johor Darul Tazim 1-1 in the away first leg match of their Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup semi-final here on Wednesday.

Lyngdoh scored in the 56th minute, just four minutes after going behind to a Pererya Dia strike for the Malaysia's reigning champions at the Larkin Stadium.

Bengaluru will host the second-leg at the Kanteerava stadium on October 19.

Bengaluru were a far cry from the side that surrendered 0-3 at the same ground in the group stage in May, as their high-pressing game unnerved the hosts in the first half.

Bengaluru goalkeeper Arminder Singh kept the visitors in contention with a point-blank save to keep out a Martin Lucero header in the 27th minute.

Johor went in front when Pererya Diaz nodded home a Safiq Rahim corner at the far post. Lyngdoh, with a strong shot into the net from 22 yards, ensured the lead was brief.

The equaliser lifted the Indian side as they withstood sustained periods of pressure from Johor, especially in the final moments of the game, to leave Malaysia with a precious away goal and result.

--IANS

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