New Radiant FC pulled off a remarkable 2-0 win over Bengaluru FC in the AFC Cup with two goals in either half from Ali Fasir (30′) and Ali Ashfaq (47′) in the Group E match at the Male National Stadium. New Radiant SC lost the away fixture despite being the dominant side showed the similar domination from the onset as Ali Ashfaq proved to be a handful for Bengaluru FC.
The recent Super Cup winners looked a shadow of their dominant self as New Radiant SC found the opening goal through Ali Fasir in the 37th minute as Bengaluru FC backline could not track back in time leaving Fasir with space and possession to catch Bengaluru in a quick counter.
With the Bengaluru FC defence caught napping, Ali Fasir darted inside the box from the left flank and opened his body nicely to slot the opening goal past the advancing goalkeeper to give New Radiant 1-0 lead in the 37th minute.
Bengaluru FC had odd chances as Sunil Chhetri found himself in an enticing one-on-one position but hit it straight to the keeper.
Bengaluru FC backline looked vulnerable as they failed to deal with Radiant’s penetrative long ball as Ali Ashfaq punished Bengaluru FC in the 47th minute from a defensive error of right back Rahul Bheke to place his left footed shot beautifully to make it 2-0 for the Maldivian side.
With a comfortable 2-0 win New Radiant SC sits on top of Group E table with 9 points, level on points with Bengaluru FC but grabbing the top spot with a better goal difference.
Alberto Roca’s Bengaluru FC next hosts Aizawl FC while New Radiant SC will host Abahani Limited(Dhaka) next week.