2016–17 Bengaluru FC season

Bengaluru FC
2016–17 season
Chairman Parth Jindal
Manager Albert Roca
Stadium Sree Kanteerava Stadium
I-League 4th
AFC Cup
AFC Champions League Preliminary Round 2
Federation Cup Winners
Top goalscorer League:
C.K. Vineeth
Sunil Chhetri (7 goals)
All:
Sunil Chhetri (12 goals)
Highest home attendance 12,642 vs East Bengal
(25 February 2017)
Lowest home attendance 2,012 vs Dhaka Abahani
(18 April 2017)
Average home league attendance 8,752
Home colours
Away colours
← 2015–16 2017–18 →

The 2016–17 season is Bengaluru FC's fourth season in the I-League since its establishment in 2013. The club had an eventful season as they became the first Indian club to reach AFC Cup Final, but failed to defend their I-League title and finished the league in the fourth position. However, they ended the season on a high by winning their second Federation Cup title in four years and qualifying for yet another knock-out stage in AFC Cup.

34 players represented the club in four competitions. 19 different players scored 50 goals in the season, the highest for a season for the club. Sunil Chhetri was the top scorer for the club fourth consecutive time, with total 12 goals. This would also turn out to be the final year in I-League for Bengaluru FC, as they successfully bid for Indian Super League spot from 2017–18 season.

Background

After narrowly missing out on the title in the previous season, Bengaluru FC reclaimed their second I-League title in three years.[1] As a result, they qualified for the AFC Champions League for the second time. However, they were unable to replicate their form during Federation Cup. The club were knocked out by Aizawl in the quarter-finals.[2] Bengaluru FC, however, tasted success in the AFC Cup, as they concluded the season with Round of 16 win in the tournament and entered the quarter-finals for the first time.[3] At the end of the season, the club management and Ashley Westwood failed to agree on terms of renewal,[4] and decided to part ways.[5]

The vacant post of head coach was filled by Albert Roca who previously the head coach of El Salvador. On his arrival, Roca said:[6]

“ I’m very satisfied to have signed with Bengaluru FC. They are the champions of India, have fantastic supporters and most importantly, have a great support system and a management that is always hands on and wants to stay at the top. I want to assure our supporters that we will always give it our best. I want the supporters to be happy about the way we play. ”

Transfers

Spanish defender Juanan was roped-in on a year-long deal

Bengaluru FC released Irish midfielder Michael Collins, who was brought in as the replacement for injured Josh Walker at the beginning of the previous season. The team also released veteran defender Curtis Osano, who had been with the club since its first season in 2013–14,[7] along with Thoi Singh, Siam Hanghal, as well as new signings, Kim Song-Yong and Nikhil Bernard. Bengaluru FC also loaned out players to Indian Super League teams after the end of AFC Cup campaign.

Bengaluru FC skipper Sunil Chhetri signed a one-year contract with the team, who was on loan from Mumbai City FC.[8] On 16 June 2016, Bengaluru FC signed Amrinder Singh, who was loaned in from Pune the previous season and extended the contract of Alwyn George.[9] Then, on 5 August 2016, Bengaluru FC announced signing of Australian midfielder Cameron Watson.[10] Bengaluru FC then signed two Spanish players, Álvaro Rubio and Juanan, on 8 August 2016. Rubio, a central defensive midfielder, inked a four-month deal and Juanan, a center-back, signed a season long deal.[11] The club also signed AIFF Elite Academy graduate and India U-20 national, Gursimrat Singh Gill, along with the former club player Darren Caldeira.[12] After their AFC Cup campaign, Bengaluru FC signed Harmanjot Khabra from Chennaiyin, and Lenny Rodrigues from Pune City on season-long loan deals.[13][14] Bengaluru FC completed the domestic signings with a season long deal for Sena Ralte (from Mumbai City), Mandar Rao Desai (from Goa), and Arindam Bhattacharya (from Pune City).[15] Just before the beginning of the I-League title defence, Honduran striker Roby Norales joined the squad as the fourth foreigner,[16] however, after playing just 4 games he was loaned out to I-League 2nd Division club Ozone.[17] On 12 January 2017, Bengaluru FC announced the signing of Indian international Sandesh Jhingan on loan from Kerala Blasters.[18] Bengaluru FC also promoted academy goalkeeper Calvin Abhishek to the senior team.[19]

Half way through the season, Bengaluru FC signed Serbian striker Marjan Jugović as the fourth foreigner.[20] At the end of I-League, ahead of 2016–17 Indian Federation Cup, the club signed Trinidadian striker, Cornell Glen on a one-month loan deal.[21]

In

No. Position Player Previous club Date Ref
11 FW India Sunil Chhetri Mumbai City 9 June 2016 [8]
1 GK India Amrinder Singh Pune 16 June 2016 [9]
26 MF Australia Cameron Watson Australia Newcastle Jets 5 August 2016 [10]
4 DF Spain Juanan United States Rayo OKC 8 August 2016 [11]
9 MF Spain Álvaro Rubio Spain Real Valladolid 8 August 2016 [11]
33 DF India Gursimrat Singh AIFF Regional Academy 23 August 2016 [12]
— MF India Darren Caldeira Mumbai 23 August 2016 [12]
32 GK India Calvin Abhishek Bengaluru FC Academy 5 November 2016 [19]
9 FW Honduras Roby Norales Honduras Platense 7 January 2017 [16]
36 FW Serbia Marjan Jugović Lebanon Al-Akhaa Al-Ahli Aley 27 February 2017 [20]

Out

No. Position Player New club Date Ref
3 DF India N.S. Manju Released 31 May 2016
4 DF Kenya Curtis Osano England Farnborough 31 May 2016 [7]
7 FW North Korea Kim Song-Yong DSK Shivajians 31 May 2016 [22]
8 MF Republic of Ireland Michael Collins England Leyton Orient 31 May 2016 [23]
12 MF India Thoi Singh Chennaiyin 31 May 2016 [24]
19 MF India Siam Hanghal Chennaiyin 31 May 2016 [25]
27 GK India Nikhil Bernard Ozone 31 May 2016 [26]
9 MF Spain Álvaro Rubio Free Agent 30 November 2016 [27]
15 DF India Vishal Kumar Minerva Punjab 30 November 2016 [27]
MF India Darren Caldeira Chennai City 30 November 2016 [27]

Loan in

No. Position Player Club Start Date Ref
10 DF India Harmanjot Khabra Chennaiyin 12 December 2016 [13]
8 MF India Lenny Rodrigues Pune City 15 December 2016 [14]
27 GK India Arindam Bhattacharya Pune City 20 December 2016 [15]
37 FW India Mandar Rao Desai FC Goa 20 December 2016 [15]
19 DF India Sena Ralte Mumbai City 20 December 2016 [15]
15 DF India Sandesh Jhingan Kerala Blasters 12 January 2017 [18]
9 FW Trinidad and Tobago Cornell Glen Ozone FC 1 May 2017 [21]

Loan out

No. Position Player Club Start Date End Date Ref
1 GK India Amrinder Singh Mumbai City 6 November 2016 18 December 2016 [28]
5 DF India Keegan Pereira Atletico de Kolkata 6 November 2016 18 December 2016 [28]
11 FW India Sunil Chhetri Mumbai City 6 November 2016 18 December 2016 [28]
13 DF India Rino Anto Kerala Blasters 6 November 2016 18 December 2016 [28]
14 MF India Eugeneson Lyngdoh Pune City 6 November 2016 18 December 2016 [28]
20 MF India Alwyn George Delhi Dynamos 6 November 2016 18 December 2016 [28]
21 FW India Udanta Singh Mumbai City 6 November 2016 18 December 2016 [28]
23 DF India Lalchhuan Mawia Mumbai City 6 November 2016 18 December 2016 [28]
24 DF India Salam Ranjan Singh NorthEast United 6 November 2016 18 December 2016 [28]
25 FW India Daniel Lalhlimpuia Chennaiyin 6 November 2016 18 December 2016 [28]
30 MF India Malsawmzuala Delhi Dynamos 6 November 2016 18 December 2016 [28]
31 MF India C.K. Vineeth Kerala Blasters 6 November 2016 18 December 2016 [28]
9 FW Honduras Roby Norales Ozone FC 2 February 2017 31 May 2017 [17]

Pre-season and friendlies

Despite the I-League not beginning until January 2017, Bengaluru FC played a series of friendlies in August in preparation of their AFC Cup matches. Their first match was on 13 August 2016 against Army Green. The club won 3–0 through a brace from Nishu Kumar and a goal from Sunil Chhetri.[29] A week later, on 20 August, the club played another closed doors practice game against MEG and won 4–0. Daniel Lalhlimpuia scored a brace for Bengaluru FC while Chhetri and trialist Gursimrat Singh Gill scored the other two goals.[30] Bengaluru FC suffered their first defeat of pre-season in their next match against DSK Shivajians. Juanan scored the consolation goal for Bengaluru FC as the match ended 1–2.[22]

The club played their final match of pre-season on 28 August 2016 against Ozone FC. The result was a 1–0 defeat.[31]

Competitions

I-League

Summary

January
Banner unfurled before the game against Shillong Lajong

Bengaluru FC kicked off their title defense on 7 January 2017 at home against Shillong Lajong.[32] Roca handed starts to new signings, Lenny Rodrigues, Harmanjot Khabra and Sena Ralte. Before the game, fans unfurled one of the largest tifos in Asia, measuring at 6,500 square feet. After starting tentatively, Bengaluru took a lead in 27th minute with a goal from Udanta Singh. In the second half, Udanta scored again before Sena Ralte scored his first goal for the club. Thus Bengaluru FC wrapped up a 3–0 win.[33] Bengaluru FC played the next game against I-League debutant Chennai City. Bengaluru FC continued their attacking game, but they were thwarted by the Chennai City defense and close saves from man of the match, Karanjit Singh. However, the game turned when Roca substituted debutant Roby Norales and C.K. Vineeth in quick succession. The substitutes scored two goals in a span of three minutes and the club came out with a 2–0 win.[34] In the final home game of the month on 18 January 2017, Bengaluru played Mumbai. C.K. Vineeth scored the first ever hat-trick for the club in any competition and Bengaluru FC won 3–0.[35] Playing the next game against Kolkata rivals East Bengal, Bengaluru FC took a lead in 23rd minute with C.K. Vineeth's goal, but East Bengal quickly equalized through Ivan Bukenya five minutes later. In the second half, East Bengal exploited Bengaluru's vulnerable defense and finally, the substitute and former Bengaluru FC player Robin Singh scored the winner in 79th minute, thus handing Bengaluru FC their first defeat of the season.[36] Bengaluru FC lost the subsequent away game against former champions Churchill Brothers. Sunil Chhetri opened the lead for the team, but the defense could not contain attacks from the Goan team and conceded a goal each in both the halves, losing the game 1–2. Bengaluru FC defender John Johnson was sent-off in the closing minutes.[37]

February

Benglauru FC began February with a game against DSK Shivajians F.C. on 5 February 2017. Bengaluru looked to be heading for another defeat when DSK Shivajians were leading 2–0 in the second half with a brace from Holicharan Narzary, but a goal from Sunil Chhetri and a last gasp header from the defender Salam Ranjan Singh ensured a point for the visitors.[38] Bengaluru's winless run continued against the debutant Minerva Punjab F.C. when in spite of taking the lead in the second half with Sunil Chhetri's goal, Sandesh Jhingan's own goal meant 1–1 draw for Bengaluru. The game extended Bengaluru FC's winless run to five games across all competitions, their worst run since team's inception in 2013.[39] Facing Aizawl F.C. next, Bengaluru FC had to endure another draw when they had to settle for 1–1. After conceding the lead, Sunil Chhetri equalized but missed the penalty in the second half and subsequently could not find a winner.[40] With his goal, Chhetri also became the highest Indian goal scorer in National Football League and I-League combined, surpassing Bhaichung Bhutia, who scored 89 goals.[41] Bengaluru further failed to win against Mumbai F.C. in the away game, when they failed to break the deadlock against defensive home team.[42] Playing the next game against table toppers East Bengal F.C., Bengaluru lost the home game 1–3 with their former player Robin Singh scoring a brace and C.K. Vineeth scoring Bengaluru FC's only goal.[43]

March

Bengaluru FC ended their nine games winless streak on 5 March 2017 when they defeated Minerva Punjab F.C. by a solitary goal from Lenny Rodrigues in 17th minute.[44] The blues further dropped the points playing against Chennai City F.C. when John Johnson's own goal in the second half was compensated by Daniel Lalhlimpuia, but Bengaluru failed to find the winner and had to settle for a point, in spite of being the dominant team.[45] Before heading for the international break, Bengaluru faced Mohun Bagan A.C.. Mohun Bagan were reduced to 10-men after Subashish Bose was sent off in the second half, but Bengaluru could not find the winner and had to be content with another draw.[46]

April
Bengaluru FC and Aizawl F.C. lining up before the kick-off

Having faced Mohun Bagan A.C. in March, Bengaluru FC faced Kolkata rivals again in the reverse fixture on 1 April 2017. Bengaluru rested Sunil Chhetri and Eugeneson Lyngdoh for the upcoming AFC fixture. With a brace from Katsumi Yusa, Mohun Bagan routed the defending champions 3–0 and officially put the title out of Bengaluru's hands.[47] With the season approaching the end, Bengaluru FC faced the title contenders Aizawl F.C. on 9 April 2017. Aizawl led other title contender, East Bengal by 3 points at the time and a win would strengthen their position at the top of the table. However, after the hard-fought game, Bengaluru FC earned a free-kick right outside the box in the injury time. Sunil Chhetri's kick was converted by Marjan Jugović's header into the last minute goal, thus earning full 3 points for the home team.[48] Aiming to finish the season on a high, Bengaluru FC travelled to Shillong on 15 April 2017. After insipid start, Bengaluru FC controlled the game and took the lead in 26th minute when Sunil Chhetri scored a goal. Bengaluru strengthened their lead in the second half with Harmanjot Khabra scored his first goal for the club. With the win, Bengaluru regained the fourth position in the table.[49] In the penultimate game of the season, the blues faced DSK Shivajians F.C. at home. In a clinical display, Bengaluru scored 7 goals and maintained a clean sheet. Man of the match, Sunil Chhetri scored a brace and assisted in three goals, where as Alwyn George, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Seminlen Doungel, C.K. Vineeth, and Sandesh Jhingan pitched in with a goal each. This was also the biggest margin of win for Bengaluru FC since their inception in 2013.[50] The blues finished season on a high note, scoring a dominant 3–0 win against former champions, Churchill Brothers S.C.. Roca rested key players ahead of AFC cup game and fielded the reserve team. Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Udanta Singh and Mandar Rao Desai scored a goal each to secure 4th position for Bengaluru FC, the lowest for the club since its inception.[51]

Matches

Table

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
2 Mohun Bagan 18 10 6 2 27 12 +15 36
3 East Bengal 18 10 3 5 33 15 +18 33
4 Bengaluru FC 18 8 6 4 30 15 +15 30 Qualification to AFC Cup qualifying play-off[lower-alpha 1]
5 Shillong Lajong 18 7 5 6 24 23 +1 26
6 Churchill Brothers 18 5 5 8 24 26 −2 20
Source: i-league.org
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) goal difference; 5) number of goals scored; 6) drawing of lots
Notes:
  1. ↑ Bengaluru FC qualified for the 2018 AFC Cup by winning the 2016–17 Federation Cup.

Results by round

Round123456789101112131415161718
GroundHHHAAAAHAAHAAHHAHH
Result W W W L L L D D D D L W D D W W W W
Position 1 1 1 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 4 4

Last updated: 29 April 2017.
Source: I-League
Ground: A = Away; H = Home. Result: D = Draw; L = Loss; W = Win; P = Postponed.

2016 AFC Cup

In previous season, Bengaluru FC advanced to the quarter finals of 2016 AFC Cup.

Quarter-finals

On 9 June 2016, Bengaluru FC were drawn against 2015 S.League runner-up, Tampines Rovers FC for two-legged quarter final.[53] Owing to the ongoing disturbances in the city for Kaveri river water dispute, the first game was played behind the closed doors.[54] Bengaluru FC won the first leg 1–0 with the goal from C.K. Vineeth in the 7th minute.[55] In the return leg, neither team scored a goal and Bengaluru FC advanced to the semi finals for the first time. Bengaluru became the third team from India after Dempo (2008) and East Bengal (2013) to reach the semi finals in AFC Cup.[56]

Semi-finals

Bengaluru FC faced defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim in semi finals. In the away leg, Johor took a lead with Pereyra Diaz's header in 52nd minute, Bengaluru equalized 4 minutes later with Eugeneson Lyngdoh's goal and the game ended 1–1 with a crucial away goal for Bengaluru FC.[57]

The second leg was a big fanfare for the home team, as Bengaluru FC could be the first Indian team to advance beyond semi finals in the AFC cup. Even the traditional rival teams like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, as well as other I-League clubs such as Shillong Lajong, Sporting Clube de Goa and Indian Super League clubs extended their support to Bengaluru FC.[58] In the game, Johor Darul Ta'zim took the early lead in 12th minute against the run of play. Before the half time, Bengaluru restored the parity with Sunil Chhetri's header. The home team continued the dominance in the second half with Chhetri scoring a brace and Juanan scoring a header and his first goal for the team. Bengaluru advanced to the final for the first time with 4–2 aggregate.[59]

Final

Bengaluru FC faced Iraqi club Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya on 5 November 2016 in Doha. Bengaluru FC became the first team from India to advance to the AFC Cup Final. After holding off the attacks in the first half, Bengaluru FC committed a defensive mistake that led to the solitary goal of the game by Hammadi Ahmad and Bengaluru lost the game 1–0.[60] In spite of the loss, Bengaluru FC's journey to the final was hailed as one of the top moments in Indian sports and Indian football.[61][62] Reacting to the loss, Albert Roca said:[63]

“ I think we have to look forward (about Indian football) and we must be honest. We can say these guys were here in the final because they deserved that, but not enough to win. We must not stop, we must be aware of the reality, and there's a lot to do. A lot of growing up has to be done. As I said, 'not enough'. We have to work hard and be more competitive than today. We have achieved a level that we are not used to in our league. But that's not only on us, it is important to have a more competitive league. You have to be honest about where you are right now. India has never shown an incredible level, but today we have shown that we can. This experience is perfect to accept that there's a long way to go ahead. Let's just go there. I am proud of my players because they tried. ”

AFC Champions League

The AFC Champions League is the premier continental football competition organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). As the champions of the I-League the previous season, Bengaluru FC earned a chance to qualify for the tournament. India did not have a direct-entry spot in the AFC Champions League and thus the champion team from India had to qualify for the tournament through the preliminary rounds. Bengaluru FC were put up against Al-Wehdat of Jordan.[64] Unlike previous seasons, India were put back into the Western Zone of Asia by the AFC.

During the match on 21 January 2017, Al-Wehdat started the game aggressively. Despite Al-Wehdat holding most of the momentum, the club were held goalless at halftime by Bengaluru FC. The Jordanian side however scored two goals quickly during the second half, including one from the penalty spot. Sunil Chhetri pulled one back for Bengaluru FC from a Cameron Watson corner but that proved to be just a consolation as Bengaluru FC were defeated 2–1. The defeat meant that Bengaluru FC would not compete in that season's AFC Champions League and would thus have to compete in the 2017 AFC Cup, Asia's secondary competition.[65]

2017 AFC Cup

Bengaluru FC competed in Group E alongside 2016 Dhivehi Premier League champions Maziya S&RC, 2016 Bangladesh Federation Cup winners Dhaka Abahani, and 2015–16 Indian Federation Cup and South Asia play-off winner, Mohun Bagan A.C..

Group stage

Runner-up in the previous edition, Bengaluru FC started their AFC Cup against fellow I-League team, Mohun Bagan A.C. at home on 14 March 2017. Bengaluru FC were trailing in the first half when Sandesh Jhingan fouled Sony Norde inside the box and conceded a penalty, converted by Katsumi Yusa. However, Bengaluru came back strongly in the second half and scored two quick goals, by Sandesh Jhingan and Sunil Chhetri, enough to earn them three points.[66] Facing Maziya S&RC next, Bengaluru FC had to wait till 93rd minute for John Johnson winner from Marjan Jugovic assist to win the game.[67] Bengaluru continued their unbeaten run in the cup when they faced Dhaka Abahani at home. A goal in each half from Nishu Kumar and Marjan Jugović ensured the top place in group E at the end of the first round of fixtures.[68]

Bengaluru FC suffered their first loss in the tournament against Dhaka Abahani in the reverse fixture, when they failed to overcome 10-men hosts and conceded two goals in the closing minutes. [69] Bengaluru FC then faced Mohun Bagan A.C. away from home. Due to upcoming Federation Cup Final, both teams fielded their reserve teams, with Albert Roca opting for all-Indian eleven. The game ended 3–1 against the blues.[70] Trailing the group leader Maziya S&RC by 3 points, a win would put Bengaluru FC equal on points, but ahead on head-to-head record, after the final game. Bengaluru enjoyed the lion share of possession in the first half, but could not find a goal. Ten minutes in the second half, Bengaluru were awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty box and Sunil Chhetri successfully converted it to make it 1–0 for the home team. Bengaluru held on to the lead till the end and handed the fourth defeat to Maldivian opponent in as many games. Bengaluru then played in the knock-out stage in 2017–18 season.[71]

Group E
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification BFC MAZ MOH DAB
1 India Bengaluru FC 6 4 0 2 7 6 +1 12 Inter-zone play-off semi-finals — 1–0 2–1 2–0
2 Maldives Maziya 6 4 0 2 10 4 +6 12 0–1 — 5–2 2–0
3 India Mohun Bagan 6 2 1 3 10 11 −1 7 3–1 0–1 — 3–1
4 Bangladesh Dhaka Abahani 6 1 1 4 4 10 −6 4 2–0 0–2 1–1 —
Source: AFC

Federation Cup

Group stage

Bengaluru FC were drawn with Mohun Bagan, Shillong Lajong, and DSK Shivajians in Group B. Bengaluru started the campaign with a 3–2 win against Shillong Lajong. Bengaluru led 1–0 at the half time with a goal from Udanta Singh. Bengaluru FC conceded two penalties, but managed to save one and total four goals were scored in the second half, but Bengaluru managed to scrape a win.[72] In the next game against DSK Shivajians, Bengaluru started the game as the dominant team, but were unable to convert chances in the first half, DSK Shivajians however converted a penalty and a freekick in the second half to register their first win against Bengaluru FC and won the game 2–0.[73] Bengaluru faced Mohun Bagan in the final game of the group stage. After DSK Shivajians lost to Shillong Lajong earlier in the day, Bengaluru needed a draw to advance to semi-finals. Bengaluru took the lead with Alwyn George's goal in the 11th minute, but Sony Norde equalized in the second half from 20 yards, when the defence failed to contain him. Both the teams earned a point and made it to the semi-finals.[74]

Group B
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Mohun Bagan 3 2 1 0 8 3 +5 7 Advance to semi-finals
2 Bengaluru FC 3 1 1 1 4 5 −1 4
3 Shillong Lajong 3 1 0 2 7 8 −1 3
4 DSK Shivajians 3 1 0 2 4 7 −3 3
Source: AIFF

Semi-finals

In the semi-finals, Bengaluru faced Group A winner and 2016–17 I-League champions Aizawl. Bengaluru took the lead in 8th minute when Alwyn George was fouled inside the box and Bengaluru were awarded the penalty and Cameron Watson successfully converted the penalty. Bengaluru had more scoring opportunities but could not extend their lead. Aizawl were given the penalty seconds before the final whistle, but Amrinder Singh saved Lalramchullova's shot and sent the team to the final.[75]

Final

Bengaluru FC won the second Federation Cup title

Bengaluru FC played the defending champions Mohun Bagan A.C. in the final on 21 May 2017. After the injury of the captain Sunil Chhetri in the group stage, due to harsh weather conditions and cramped schedule, Bengaluru FC requested to postpone the match to 24 May, but the request was denied.[76] Before the match, Roca remarked, "I would say Bagan are the favourites with some big names on their roster and the availability of all four foreigners for this fixture. We have no problem being the underdogs." In the match, Bengaluru created flurry of chances, but two of their goals were declared offside and neither team scored a goal in the regulation team. However, C.K. Vineeth, coming off the bench, scored two goals in the extra time and led the team to second triumph in Federation Cup.[77] As the winner, Bengaluru FC also qualified for 2018 AFC Cup, their fourth consecutive appearance in the tournament.

Accolades

Sunil Chhetri won Hero of the league award for 2016–17 I-League, voted by coaches and captains of the participating teams. Bengaluru FC also won the best organizers award along with DSK Shivajians.[78] Udanta Singh won players' player of the season as well as fans' player of the season at the annual Bengaluru FC awards, where as Nishu Kumar was adjudged most improved player of the season.[79] C.K. Vineeth was adjudged FPAI Player of the year and Udanta Singh was awarded Young player of the year.[80]

Player information

Management

Albert Roca, Bengaluru FC's head coach for 2016–17 season
As of June 2016.[81][82]
Position Name
Head Coach Spain Albert Roca
Assistant Coach Spain Carles Cuadrat
Goalkeeping Coach Turkey Ali Uzunhasanoglu
Head of Youth Development Netherlands John Killa
Under-18 coach India John Kenneth Raj
Head physiotherapist South Africa Timothy Vadachalam
Head of sports sciences England Donavan Pillai

Player statistics

Appearances and goals

No. Pos Nat Player TotalI-League Federation Cup AFC
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Goalkeepers
1 GK India Amrinder Singh 23 0 12+0 0 3+0 0 8+0 0
27 GK India Arindam Bhattacharya 7 0 5+1 0 0+0 0 1+0 0
28 GK India Lalthuammawia Ralte 6 0 1+0 0 2+0 0 3+0 0
32 GK India Calvin Abhishek 0 0 0+0 0 0+0 0 0+0 0
Defenders
4 DF Spain Juanan 31 1 15+0 0 5+0 0 11+0 1
5 DF India Keegan Pereira 5 0 1+1 0 0+0 0 1+2 0
6 DF England John Johnson 28 1 12+0 0 5+0 0 11+0 1
10 DF India Harmanjot Khabra 25 1 12+2 1 5+0 0 4+2 0
13 DF India Rino Anto 7 0 0+0 0 0+0 0 5+2 0
15 DF India Sandesh Jhingan 20 2 10+1 1 5+0 0 4+0 1
19 DF India Sena Ralte 8 1 6+1 1 0+0 0 1+0 0
22 DF India Nishu Kumar 22 1 9+0 0 2+2 0 8+1 1
23 DF India Lalchhuan Mawia 2 0 0+0 0 0+0 0 0+2 0
24 DF India Salam Ranjan Singh 23 1 9+2 1 3+1 0 5+3 0
33 DF India Gursimrat Singh 3 0 1+0 0 0+0 0 1+1 0
Midfielders
8 MF India Lenny Rodrigues 23 1 14+0 1 3+1 0 4+1 0
14 MF India Eugeneson Lyngdoh 30 3 12+3 1 4+0 1 10+1 1
16 MF India Shankar Sampingiraj 2 0 0+1 0 0+0 0 1+0 0
17 MF Australia Cameron Watson 30 1 16+0 0 4+0 1 10+0 0
20 MF India Alwyn George 25 2 6+6 1 3+1 1 6+3 0
37 MF India Mandar Rao Desai 11 1 3+6 1 0+0 0 1+1 0
18 MF India Beikhokhei Beingaichho 3 0 0+1 0 0+0 0 0+2 0
29 MF India Malsawmzuala 11 0 2+3 0 1+1 0 1+3 0
Forwards
7 FW India Seminlen Doungel 12 2 1+4 1 2+0 0 2+3 1
9 FW India Cornell Glen 4 0 0+0 0 0+4 0 0+0 0
11 FW India Sunil Chhetri 30 12 16+0 7 3+0 0 11+0 5
21 FW India Udanta Singh 28 4 15+2 3 3+2 1 4+2 0
25 FW India Daniel Lalhlimpuia 24 2 9+6 2 2+0 0 4+3 0
31 FW India C.K. Vineeth 28 10 8+7 7 1+2 2 10+0 1
36 FW Serbia Marjan Jugovic 8 2 2+4 1 0+0 0 0+2 1
Players transferred out during the season
9 MF Spain Álvaro Rubio 5 0 0+0 0 0+0 0 5+0 0
9 FW Honduras Roby Norales 4 1 1+3 1 0+0 0 0+0 0
15 DF India Vishal Kumar 2 0 0+0 0 0+0 0 0+2 0
— MF India Darren Caldeira 0 0 0+0 0 0+0 0 0+0 0

Updated: 31 May 2017

Top scorers

C.K. Vineeth scored a hat-trick against Mumbai on 18 January 2017
Rank No. Pos Nat Player I-League AFC Federation Cup Total
1 11 FW India Sunil Chhetri 7 5 0 12
2 31 FW India C.K. Vineeth 7 1 2 10
3 21 FW India Udanta Singh 3 0 1 4
4 14 MF India Eugeneson Lyngdoh 1 1 1 3
5 25 FW India Daniel Lalhlimpuia 2 0 0 2
36 FW Serbia Marjan Jugovic 1 1 0 2
15 DF India Sandesh Jhingan 1 1 0 2
20 MF India Alwyn George 1 0 1 2
7 FW India Seminlen Doungel 1 1 0 2
10 4 DF Spain Juanan 0 1 0 1
6 DF England John Johnson 0 1 0 1
8 MF India Lenny Rodrigues 1 0 0 1
9 FW Honduras Roby Norales 1 0 0 1
10 MF India Harmanjot Khabra 1 0 0 1
17 MF Australia Cameron Watson 0 0 1 1
22 DF India Nishu Kumar 0 1 0 1
19 DF India Sena Ralte 1 0 0 1
24 DF India Salam Ranjan Singh 1 0 0 1
37 MF India Mandar Rao Desai 1 0 0 1
Own goals 0 0 1 1
TOTALS 30 13 7 50

Source: soccerway
Updated: 31 May 2017

Clean sheets

Rank No. Pos Nat Player I-League AFC Federation Cup Total
1 1 GK India Amrinder Singh 5 4 2 11
2 27 GK India Arindam Bhattacharya 3 0 0 3
3 28 GK India Lalthuammawia Ralte 1 1 0 2
TOTALS 9 5 2 16

Source: soccerway
Updated: 31 May 2017

Disciplinary record

Rank No. Pos Nat Player I-League Federation Cup AFC Total Notes
YC Red card YC Red card YC Red card YC Red card
1 10 MF India Harmanjot Khabra 5 0 1 0 2 0 8 0 Missed a game, against Aizawl (4 yellow cards)[83]
(9 April 2017)

Missed a game, against Mohun Bagan in 2017 AFC Cup (2 yellow cards)[84]
(17 May 2017)

2 14 MF India Eugeneson Lyngdoh 2 0 3 0 3 0 7 0 Missed a game, against Mohun Bagan (2 yellow cards)[85]
(12 May 2017)
15 DF India Sandesh Jhingan 3 0 1 0 3 0 7 0 Missed a game, against Dhaka Abahani (2 yellow cards)[86]
(18 April 2017)
17 MF Australia Cameron Watson 3 0 2 0 2 0 7 0 Missed a game, against Dhaka Abahani (2 yellow cards)[86]
(18 April 2017)
Missed a game, against Mohun Bagan (2 yellow cards)[87]
(21 May 2017)
5 4 DF Spain Juanan 4 0 0 0 1 0 5 0 Missed a game, against DSK Shivajians (4 yellow cards)[88]
(22 April 2017)
6 DF England John Johnson 1 1 0 0 3 0 4 1 Missed a game, against DSK Shivajians (red card)[89]
(5 February 2017)

Missed a game, against Mohun Bagan in 2017 AFC Cup (2 yellow cards)[84]
(17 May 2017)

11 FW India Sunil Chhetri 3 0 1 0 1 0 5 0
31 FW India C.K. Vineeth 2 0 1 0 2 0 5 0
9 1 GK India Amrinder Singh 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 Missed a game, against Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (2 yellow cards)[90]
(5 November 2016)
21 FW India Udanta Singh 1 0 1 0 1 0 3 0
22 DF India Nishu Kumar 1 0 0 0 2 0 3 0
12 19 DF India Sena Ralte 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
24 DF India Salam Ranjan Singh 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0
14 7 FW India Seminlen Doungel 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
8 MF India Lenny Rodrigues 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
9 MF Spain Alvaro Rubio 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
30 MF India Malsawmzuala 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
33 DF India Gursimrat Singh Gill 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
36 FW Serbia Marjan Jugovic 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
TOTALS 28 1 12 0 26 0 66 1

Source: soccerway
Updated: 31 May 2017

Notes

  1. ↑ Bengaluru FC advanced to the inter-zone play-off semi-finals, played during 2017–18 season

References

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See also

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