BMFC struggled to pacify HAL in the first half on Wednesday, and luck favoured them, the ball crashing into their woodwork on three occasions.

But the four goals scored and the convincing win against the Bangalore League runner-up has redeemed BMFC's reputation.

Gumpe Rime, BMFC's 'keeper, is in perfect shape under the bar while the defence -- Aloke Das, Musa Aliu, Harsharanjit Singh and Sanjay Dayal -- appears shaky, and could be breached. The midfield found its rhythm only in the second half as Kasif Jamal, Gurinderpal Singh and Suresh Singh gained control on the game.

The good news for coach Jamshed Nassiri is the strike force. Nigerian Emeka Achelifu, Abdullatif Seriki and Uday Konar look goal-hungry. Emeka pumped in a hat-trick, while the other two created many openings.

Though opponents -- Rayalseema Tigers -- also had an easy 2-0 win over Indian Air Force (Delhi) in their lastmatch, they lost 0-2 to HAL in the opener. A bunch of talented youngsters, Tigers are yet to live up to their promise.

In the second match, Vasco of Goa should have an easy outing against Indian Air Force (Delhi). IAF have lost both their matches.

Vasco and BMFC appear best-placed to qualify for the second leg at Haldia.

Vasco scored a none-too-impressive 1-0 win over Rayalseema Tigers. Strikers Louis Nickson, Pednekar and Tony Okafor failed to convert some easy chances, and that should worry their Brazilian coach, Ekka.