Bengaluru FC took a step towards their Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup semi-final aspirations with a 1-0 win over Singapore side Tampines Rovers in the first leg match here on Wednesday.
CK Vineeth scored the match winner in the seventh minute at the Kanteerava Stadium. It was enough to get new coach Albert Roca's reign off to a winning start and give Bengaluru a slender edge when they travel to Singapore for the away leg to be played on September 21.
The match was behind closed doors, owing to the volatile political situation in the city.
Roca chose to partner Vineeth with India captain Sunil Chhetri upfront in the starting team. Vineeth justified his selection when he utilised a pass from Alwyn George to tap in from close range.
Bengaluru maintained pressure and threatened to increase their lead but were unable to convert chances received. Rovers switched gears in the second half hoping to score a vital away goal.
Bengaluru also had several chances to score but neither were able to change the scoreline.
Bengaluru leave for Singapore on Sunday for the away leg match.
--IANS
sam/bg
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