Margao: His team’s name etched in the annals of Indian football history, Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri termed the I-League debutants’ triumph one of the most “significant moments” of his illustrious career.
First-timers Bengaluru FC clinched the I-League title in their debut season courtesy of a 4-2 away win over Dempo SC here on Monday, with Chhetri netting the final goal.
“There are very few moments in my career that will match the significance of this one. It’s been a team effort since day one. We’ve fought hard, trained harder and none of us are surprised that we are here today. If anything, we are delighted. This team is going to go down in history. We are the champions of India,” Chhetri said after the win.
The national captain is also the highest scorer of the League so far, with 14 goals to his name.
Needing a victory to snatch the title ahead of other established teams, Bengaluru led from start to finish.
They scored through Sean Rooney (2nd), Robin Singh (56th), John Menyongar (79th) and captain Sunil Chhetri (90+7). Dempo reduced the margin through Roberto Silva (82nd) and substitute Romeo Fernandes (89th).
Boys worked hard: coach Westwood
Coach Ashley Westwood thanked everyone connected to the club.
“Just want to congratulate and thank everybody connected to the club who has made this possible. We have shown what can be achieved with a combined team effort.
“I just hope everybody realises how big an achievement this has been for a brand new club and I would also like to say a special thanks to the fans who made Bangalore a special place to play for all of us,” Westwood said.
The win helped the Southern club accumulate 44 points and take an unassailable lead with one round still to be played. The likes of East Bengal and Salgaocar FC will play for the second and third spot.
“The boys worked really hard, with the victory near they kept on working hard and finally we were rewarded,” Westwood said.
“We looked pretty comfortable at 3-0 lead but a stupid free kick from Beto found the back of the net and than they reduced the margin and put the pressure before Sunil Chhetri’s stoppage time goal gave us a comfortable 4-2 win in the end.
“Fans came all the way from Bangalore to support the team and if not for their support things would have not happened.
“It was a fantastic effort and everybody including my wife also supported me and I am happy in the end to win the title,” stated Westwood.
Congratulations came from the All India Football Federation, with general secretary Kushas Das saying, “Congratulations Bengaluru FC. You are the deserving champions. Enjoy the moment.” (PTI)