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Bengaluru FC completed a perfect Japan tour, FC Goa signed off with a win and Punjab FC impressed despite late heartbreak as the RFDL Exposure Tour came to a successful close.
News18
The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) Japan Exposure Tour concluded on a positive note, with Bengaluru FC maintaining a perfect record, FC Goa signing off with their first victory and Punjab FC narrowly missing out after a heartbreaking stoppage-time equaliser.
Bengaluru FC complete perfect tour
Bengaluru FC wrapped up an unbeaten campaign after holding Avispa Fukuoka to a goalless draw before prevailing 4-3 in the penalty shootout.
The Blues produced another disciplined defensive display and held their nerve from the spot to register their third successive victory of the tour, finishing with a flawless record.
FC Goa end on winning note
FC Goa secured their first win of the tour with an impressive 3-1 victory over Giravanz Kitakyushu.
Malsawmtluanga handed the Gaurs an early lead in the 10th minute before Sojiro equalised shortly after the restart. Goa responded strongly in the second half, with Sitroy Carvalho and Shawn Fernandes finding the net to ensure a comfortable victory.
Punjab FC denied at the death
Punjab FC looked set to finish the tour with another impressive result after Singamayum Shami’s first-half strike gave them the lead against Baleine Shimonoseki.
However, Koyama Hanu scored deep into stoppage time to level the contest at 1-1 and force a penalty shootout. Punjab eventually fell 7-6 in the shootout despite another spirited performance.
Valuable international experience
Organised by Reliance Foundation as part of the RFDL player development pathway, the Japan Exposure Tour offered India’s leading U-21 clubs a rare opportunity to compete against quality Japanese opposition in a professional football environment.
The matches exposed players to different tactical approaches, higher-intensity football and international standards, providing valuable lessons both on and off the pitch.
The tour marked another significant step in preparing India’s emerging footballers for the demands of senior and international football while strengthening the bridge between youth development and the professional game.
The RFDL Japan Exposure Tour provided India’s leading U-21 clubs valuable international experience against quality Japanese opposition.
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