Bengaluru blank Abahani

Dhaka, May 16 

Bengaluru FC produced a professional performance to blank Abahani Dhaka 4-0 before help from Aizawl FC ensured their qualification for the Inter-zonal semifinals of the AFC Cup. Daniel Segovia (13th min), Nishu Kumar (16th, 58th) and Sunil Chhetri (60th) struck for Bengaluru, who topped Group E and advanced in the competition. 

Besides winning their tie, Bengaluru also needed Aizawl FC to beat Maldives' New Radiant to move ahead.  Moments after they blanked the Dhaka club, Aizawl did them a huge favour by beating New Radiant 2-1. 

Bengaluru were always in control and led 2-0 at half-time, courtesy goals from Segovia and Kumar. The Indian club enjoyed 55 percent ball possession and 11 of their 16 shots were on target. Abahani entered the striking area only five times, and had just one shot on target. 

The outcome was on expected lines but with qualification on the line, Bengaluru had to deal with a lot  of pressure.  Bengaluru's previous visit to Dhaka had ended in a 2-0 defeat to the Bangladeshi side in the group stage last year. — PTI