South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) team Stellenbosch FC has begun its title defence in the Reliance Foundation presents Premier League Next Generation Cup by defeating Bengaluru FC 1-0 at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai today.
Bengaluru FC, fresh from their victory in the second season of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), struggled to build momentum going forward at times, despite a solid defence. Stellenbosch FC’s persistent attacks paid off with the South African team’s No. 10, Antonio Wan Vyk, scoring the winning goal in the 13th minute of the game.
Both teams’ defences consistently prevented the other team’s forwards from finding a way through. Instead, they focussed on building up offensive moves to create scoring opportunities, resulting in the lack of clear-cut chances in the first half of the game. Both sides gathered renewed energy and passion in the second half of the match.
Stellenbosch FC began shifting a bit wide in the second half to create chances from the flanks, challenging Bengaluru’s defence for pace, and recovering possession higher up the field. This prevented Bengaluru FC from making any constructive offensive endeavours in the final 35 minutes, and the match ended with a 1-0 victory for Stellenbosch FC.
Stellenbosch FC coach Evangelos Vellios praised Bengaluru FC, stating that he was impressed with the coach’s possession-based football. On the other hand, Bengaluru FC tactician Kaizad Ambapardiwalla regretted the team’s missed opportunities to find the goal. He stated that it’s important to finish off chances since possession alone does not guarantee three points. Bengaluru FC will face West Ham United FC at RCP, while Stellenbosch FC will compete against ATK Mohun Bagan FC on May 20, Saturday.