FC Bengaluru United ended their group stage campaign of the 2nd Division I-League Qualifiers on a high note, following yet another victory against RKM FC, 1-0 at the Ramakrishna Mission Sports Complex in Chhattisgarh on Monday.
Nikhil Mali’s (12′) early strike was the sole goal of the match. Fans turned up in large numbers to cheer for the home team but will take solace in the fact that they were treated to an afternoon of high-octane football. With 17 points in 8 games, the victory seals FC Bengaluru United as the leader of the Group C table and they move on to compete in the next round of 2nd Division I-League Qualifiers with four other teams in a home and away format. The top two teams will then secure a place in the 2023-24 I-League season.
As early as the 12th minute, FC Bengaluru United showed their appetite for goals. After swiftly regaining possession in a threatening area, a shrewd Shajan Franklin, played in Nikhil Mali who found the back of the net, to score his second goal of the season and give FCBU the crucial early lead, 1-0. He nearly doubled his tally soon after but was unavailable to complete his brace.(ANI)
