Bengaluru FC picked up a point against Reliance Foundation Young Champs with a 2-2 draw, in the U15 JSW Youth Cup, in Bellary. Lalpekhlua (60', 80') scored a brace while Zehal Shibu (8') and Ansh Tembulkar (64') got on the scoresheet for RFYC.
Bengaluru started the game with the right intent and pushed for the opening goal early in the game. Against the run of play, Reliance Foundation Young Champs broke the deadlock with a goal inside the first ten minutes. Zehel was found by his teammate unmarked in the box and the midfielder put his laces through the ball to put it past Atul Raj in the Bengaluru goal.
Lalpekhlua almost leveled the scores with a fizzing shot from distance, it had all the power behind it but went straight to the goalkeeper, who parried it upwards and onto the crossbar. RFYC kept their composure and took the lead into the break.
Into the second half, the Young Blues came out firing, but couldn't find the back of the net. After continuous attacking pressure, Lalpekhlua finally equalised with a stunning strike from outside the box. The forward struck it low and hard and it flew past RFYC custodian Aarav Singh.
Moments later, RFYC reclaimed the lead after a free-kick found Ansh unmarked in the box, the forward took a touch and lifted it above a BFC defender before smashing it on the volley into the roof of the net from close range to make it 1-2. Lalpekhlua came to the rescue once again and equalised the score with ten minutes to go. The winger cut inside the box before curling one on target, the ball hit the underside of the crossbar and crossed the line.
Bengaluru next face Sports Odisha, on May 10th, at the same venue.
Bengaluru FC Media Release