Bengaluru FC Set For Date With History in AFC Cup Semifinals vs Johor
Bengaluru FC will face Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim in the second-leg of the AFC Cup semifinals at the Kanteerava Stadium. The I-League champions played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg away from home
Highlights
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Bengaluru FC will play Malaysia's Johor in the AFC Cup semifinal 2nd leg
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The first leg had ended in a 1-1 draw
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No Indian clubs has previously reached the AFC Cup final
It was just over three years ago when Bengaluru FC came into being. The JSW group-owned club has since gone on to win three major honours, two I-League titles and one Federation Cup.
Despite being one of the country's youngest clubs, Bengaluru FC have been relentless in their pursuit of domestic dominance. On Wednesday, the Albert Roca-managed club will have another chance of creating history.
Bengaluru FC will face Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim in the second-leg of the AFC Cup at the Kanteerava Stadium, having played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg away from home.
This is a chance to set a unique record. No other Indian club has previously made it to the final of the AFC Cup, Asia's second most important club competition. Earlier, Dempo SC and East Bengal have tasted defeat in the last-four stage.
"They are very strong side, but I am really positive. We fancy ourselves here. That's the kind of vibe this ground gives me," skipper Sunil Chhetri said on the eve of the game.
Big day for Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri
Chhetri, one of the country's most decorated footballers, has himself played a prominent role in Bengaluru FC's trophy-laden three years of existence.Â
On Wednesday, Chhetri could yet surpass his achievements with the current I-League champions by leading them to the AFC Cup final.
To make matters easier for hosts Bengaluru, Johor will be without two key players, Juan Martin Lucero and Pereyra Diaz, both of whom are suspended for the tie.Â
Bengaluru FC are also expecting an attendance of more than 20,000 for what promises to be a cracking affair against the Malaysian club.
These are testing times for club football in India, with I-League going through a major crisis amidst questions over the league's future, and the Indian Super League too failing to match the hoopla of the first two editions this time.
Bengaluru FC making it to the AFC Cup final will come as a major morale-booster for Indian football, and all stakeholders of the sport in India.
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