Johor Baru : I-League champions Bengaluru FC take on Malaysian top side Johor Darul Ta’zim in their first round play-offs match for the AFC Champions League in their first foray into AFC competition on Wednesday.
After winning the I-League in their maiden appearance last season, Bengaluru have not had a great start in the top Indian league this season having opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Dempo before losing to East Bengal (1-0) and Pune (3-1).
But they were back on track with an impressive 4-0 away win against early-season pacesetters Royal Wahingdoh in their last I-League match and they would be hoping for a win tomorrow in their first match in any AFC competition at the Stadium Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Yunos.
“We’ve been back together since July 17 for pre-season and training under all kinds of scenarios and any kind of game practice is always good before an upcoming fixture like this one,” Bengaluru coach Ashely Westwood said.
“We have made a few signings. We’ve bought a few players in new goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte who is one for the future. We’ve also got Eugeneson Lyngdoh who is a good box to box midfielder and on foreigner front, we’ve acquired Joshua Walker who comes in with good ability,” he
“There’s also young striker Udanta Singh who possesses pace and flair and will be someone the club is nurturing,” said the Englishman who have also guided Bengaluru win Federation Cup, their second major piece of silverware since the club’s formation in 2013.
Johor go into the match with confidence after their 2-0 win over bitter rivals Pahang in the Malaysia Super League season-opening Charity Shield.
But their coach Bojan Hodak warned his players not to be carried away by the domestic victory. “We beat Pahang but that doesn’t mean that I will keep the same team for the AFC Champions League playoff match. We have a long season ahead and I will rotate the squad to keep the players fresh.” —PTI
