Bengaluru FC hold Kerala Blasters to emerge inaugural RFDL champions
Kerala Blasters FC meant Bengaluru FC were crowned champions of the inaugural edition of Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) on Thursday evening. However, the result proved to be a reflection of how evenly these two teams were matched. Both teams will now represent India in NextGen Cup to be held in the UK later this year. The game got off to a cagey start with both teams keeping possession for large parts. Mohammed Aimen came closest to scoring early on for Kerala, his shot coming off the post after goalkeeper Sharon had made a good stop. Damaitphang Lyngdoh had Bengaluru’s best chance of the first half, but his attempt from the edge of the box following a counter-attack came off the crossbar. Jagdeep Singh was Blues’ saviour in the second period, clearing Aimen’s effort off the line after Vincy Barretto had skipped past substitute goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan to set up the striker.
