Thimpu: 2015 AFC Cup runners-up Bengaluru FC were held to goalless draw by Transport United in the first leg of the Premilinary Stage at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Tuesday.
Facing the same side in the reverse fixture on January 30 ‘The Blues’ will require nothing less than a win to progress to the next round of qualifiers.
Having travelled with a relatively squad keeping the hefty schedule in mind, coach Albert Roca named as many as three debutants in the opening line-up. But despite the worse conditions with the temperature dropping down to six degree celsius the visitors began well, but chances field were hard to come by.
Bengaluru however were presented with golden chance at the half-hour mark interestingly the game’s first proper opportunity to score, but Tony Dovale failed to connect after Boithang Haokip’s corner-kick found him. The Spaniard until than had been the away side’s most impressive player on the pitch.
But Dovale could have well earned two assists to his name had Daniel Lalhimpuia kept at-least one of the former’s two well visioned free-kicks at the start of the second-half.
That both sides played with much more cautiousness and patience not looking to concede a poor goal, made chances hard to come by and far in between, but Bengaluru were able to control the proceedings for the majority of the game.
Transport United though had a better chance to score but skied the opportunity, while another free-kick drew a close save from custodian Lalthuamawia Ralte.
Lenny Rodrigues then had a chance to seal the match with an effort that struck the upright four minutes after the hour-mark, but failed to do so and this was after Daniel had hit wide of the target.
The goalless draw also meant no sides will walk into the second leg with any advantage. Bengaluru will take on Transport United at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on January 30.