Just in case you’ve somehow lost count, this is the second report out of three, although, if you’ve lost count after one then I fail to see what hope there is for any of us. Moving swiftly on.
It’s Amazing What Happens When You Want To Win Something
You’ll recall that in my preview for this game, I went straight for the kill and said Bengaluru will win the Super Cup. Well, there was nearly egg on my face aplenty as with twenty-five minutes left on the clock, it seemed that Gokulam were going to get one over on Bengaluru. Not exactly what I was hoping for. Let’s get to the action.
Roca actually saw the point in this competition, unlike some, not naming any names (it rhymes with Gron Jegory) and that was apparent with his team selection as he selected a near enough full-strength side probably with the exception of Paartalu who was on the bench.
Nevertheless, it was Bino George’s Gokulam who broke the deadlock when ‘Hitman Henry’ continued his fine form. Of course, I am referring to Henry Kisekka who bagged two in the qualifiers against NorthEast, he finished expertly beyond Gurpreet to give Gokulam a lead to hold on to.
Thirty-seven minutes went by before Bengaluru successfully found a way back into the game and it will come as no surprise to anyone who got the equaliser. None other than the marvellous Miku who put away Udanta’s cross and from then on, there was only going to be one winner.
Miku Went From Goalscorer To Provider
Bino George didn’t help matters when he took a striker off (Suhair) and replaced him with a midfielder (Jayaraj) immediately after Miku’s equaliser. What was he trying to do? Play for the draw for the rest of normal time and extra time? I haven’t the foggiest. In his defence, it did look like it was going to work until deep into second-half stoppage time.
Miku repaid the favour as he squared to Udanta who finished with aplomb to send Bengaluru into the next round. They were the better team on the night, there’s no doubt about that, nonetheless, if Gokulam were more clinical in front of goal, we could be here talking about an upset. But we’re not, so never mind.
Roca was not hiding behind anything or anyone in his post-match media duties and was under no illusion that his side were slow out of the blocks:
“We knew it would be difficult to restart after the break. It is not about the attitude but it is human nature to relax during a break. Second half was much better as they were a little bit tired and we took the opportunities. We have to get better for the next game.”
“Chennaiyin’s Loss Was Surely A Wake-Up Call”
He continued;
“Everybody thinks that we have a good team but it is a long road. We have a good academy to keep the good flow of footballers. We have a built a good image and now it our responsibility to keep up the good work.”
You’re right Albert, everyone does think that and that’s because you do. He finished with this, which I like to think is a dig at Gregory, but it probably isn’t…
“Chennaiyin’s loss (to Aizawl FC) was surely a wake-up call. We got a good result that we wanted and now we just have to look forward and move ahead,”
Bino George, claims it was an injury to one of his defender that made the difference as opposed to his surrender…
“Injuries cost us the game. When Daniel Addo went out it became very difficult for us. We hope that we gave a good fight to Bengaluru FC, the best team in India. They are more experienced and they have more budget also. But my boys played well.”
That’s another thing that gets under my skin. They’ve got more money than us. It’s not just an Indian thing, clubs do it all over the world, what’s the need of bringing it up? So annoying.
On that bombshell, I’m done with this one, the last report is from Mohun Bagan vs Churchill Brothers, see you soon for that.
Until the next time.
