AFC CUP Semis: Bengaluru FC faces Johor test

by Chittu Shetty September 28, 2016

Albert Roca seemed confident against Johor test, despite injury concerns

Albert Roca side Bengaluru FC will look to script history as they take on reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim in the first leg of the AFC Cup semifinal at the Larkin Stadium, in Malaysia, on Wednesday.

The Blues face a dominant JDT side who just won their third Malaysian League title in a row and that to without losing a game. Having already won the Malaysian FA Cup and the Charity Shield this year, defending champions JDT will be looking to retain the same this year and make it four trophies for 2016.

Blues Coach Albert Roca seemed confident but vary of the opposition, “We know everything about the opponent. They deserve to be here and are a very strong rival. We are not scared about that. For us, it’s a nice challenge and the aim is to put on a performance.”

Both teams have faced each other three times before today, with JDT coming up triumphs in all three. Blues task will be further cut out when they step out on field today as JDT are on a run 23 undefeated home games.

Blues Spanish coach Roca has got a new shuffled players roster since taking charge and a lot has changed in terms of playing style, “Yes, we haven’t beaten Johor yet but we’ve had two very close games and we can take positives from that. We are a stronger team now than when we last played them. We have a new coach, new systems, a few new players and it’s all coming together. We go into every game wanting to score and win and tomorrow will be no different,” said defender John Johnson the only foreign player to remain with the Blues for three seasons now.

Battle of Blues Defence vs JDT’s Attack

Bengaluru FC moved to semi-finals on 1-0 aggregrate

The blues despite being rusty came up with clean sheets in both the games of quarter finals and will once again be facing the tasks of keeping the free scoring JDT’s Argentine duo at bay.

Martin Lucero and Pereyra Diaz have been instrumental for JDT’s attack with the latter having already scored 30 goals this season, including 5 in AFC cup.

While Bengaluru defence have their task cut out, their attack will have to be a lot more clinical in front of goal, having been guilty of wasting numerous chances against Tampine Rovers. A strong performance at the back will be key but the team has to take their chances in attack especially against teams like JDT, where chances could be rare.

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Injury Concerns

The Blues will be without the services of Udanta Singh, Lalchhuanmawia and Keegan Pereira, who are out of the tomorrow’s game due to injuries and illness. “We do have a few injuries and unfortunately, those players cannot participate. But that is not an excuse as we have a good squad and we have to prove it tomorrow,” said Roca.

The return leg of the semi final will be played at the Kanteerava stadium in Bengaluru on October 19 and blues will be eager to come out of the first leg with an advantage.

Kick OFF: 6:15PM IST