I-League: Bengaluru FC crowned champions

Bengaluru: The jeers and whistles flew from the stands as close to 11,000 impatient fans awaited the final whistle which would mark Bengaluru FC as the I-League champions for the second time in three years.

It duly arrived to send the crowd into a frenzy at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday as the hosts emerged 2-0 winners against Salgaocar FC, thanks to goals from Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Seiminlen Doungel on either side of the half.

With the win, the Garden City side clinched the title with 32 points with one game to spare. The Men in Blue will lift the title next Saturday when they face defending champions Mohun Bagan away in the last league tie.

The West Block Blues were in full song right from the off, unveiling a new banner for the team. BFC manager Ashley Westwood began with Malsawmzuala in the holding role to allow Michael Collins more freedom to express himself going forward along with Lyngdoh.

And Collins, who flourished in a similar role against East Bengal, repaid his manager’s faith when his insightful long ball led to the opening goal in the eighth minute.