C K Vineet's strike guided Bengaluru FC to a solitary goal victory over Singapore's Tampines Rovers in the first-leg quarter-final of the AFC Cup at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Wednesday.
The all-important goal of the match, played behind closed doors in the aftermath of the violence the city witnessed on Monday, was scored Vineeth in the seventh minute.
Bengaluru had a slew of chances to extend their lead, but, barring the lone strike, had little to show for their possession.
The second leg will be played on September 21.
The home team started on a positive note, won an early corner and looked the better team in the opening exchanges.
It was Sunil Chhetri's vision that paved the way for Bengaluru FC’s goal. His through ball found Alwyn George, who set up Vineeth, who thumped the ball into the top corner.
Tampines had their first corner of the match in the fifth minute, but could not work it to their advantage, spilling the opportunity after Nishu Kumar cleared Penna's kick.
After a see-saw battle for the next seven minutes, Tampines had the second chance by earning a corner for the second time, but the kick was cleared by Juan Antanio.
Trailing 0-1, the visitors lost the services of their striker Mustafic Fahruddin, who was stretchered off the playing arena in the 20th minute. He was replaced by Mohammad Afiq Bin Yunos.
Notwithstanding the loss of Mustafic, Tampines constantly attacked, but could not get the equaliser.
Jermaine Pennat spilled the third corner, which he took in the 24th minute, after his team-mate was found to be in an off-side position.
The home side had a wonderful opportunity to make it 2-0 in the 31st minute after Chhetri headed down Rino Anto's cross for Eugeneson Lyngdoh to attack, but the latter's shot was saved by Mohammad Izwan Bin Mahbud.
Showcasing their form, BFC made a very good move in the 40th minute with Nishu Kumar cutting past his marker and taking a swipe, but his shot deflected the crossbar for a corner.
In the second half, Tampines had a chance to restore parity but Billy Mehmet did not get enough power on his shot in the 50th minute.
Nishu, who put in a solid show down the left flank, was replaced by Lalchhuanmawia in the 53rd minute.
