Bengaluru FC gets ready for Asian Champions League qualifiers

by Chittu Shetty January 31, 2017

Rocked by the back to back defeats in the domestic league, Blues enter the Asian circuit hoping to revive their form and get back on winning track

Facing Al Wehdat of Jordan, Blues have their task cut out with injury concerns and poor form at defence being a worrying factor. The I League champions are back at the doorsteps of the AFC Champions League were they lost to Johar Darul Tazim in 2015 in extra-time. But back then, they were new to Asian venture but still gave a good account of themselves in the first run.

Al Wehdat, the Jordanian club will be relishing the opportunity of facing Bengaluru at its weakest juncture to progress to the next qualification stage.  After the hurting loss against East Bengal and a surprise upset from Churchill Brothers despite going 1-0 up first, has left the blues Coach Albert Roca with lots to ponder with.

The club in its three years has made a mark of breaking historic feats and achievements in Indian football perspective, this time they have a chance to be the first to play in the group stages of the premier competition in Asia.

Blues opponent, Al Wehdat are in terrific form coming from five straight victories in their league. Coach Albert Roca concurs the challenge very well, “The boys know they cannot afford to make the mistakes that have cost us in the League, against a side like Wehdat and on a stage like this. While I cannot predict Tuesday’s outcome, I know that the team will turn up with the kind of attitude I want to see,”

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The Spaniard has few injury concerns on his side with the likes of Sandesh Jhingan, Sena Ralte and Rino Anto missing out of the tie, John Johnson is also doubtful rendering the defence even thinner, Roca will have to partner Juanan with Salam Ranjan Singh at the back with Nishu Kumar and Harmanjot Khabra as the full-backs.

The attacking trio of Sunil Chhetri, CK Vineeth and Roby Norales would be expected to lead the charge with Cameron Watson and Eugeneson Lyngdoh marshalling the midfield.

For the home side though, there are no serious injury concerns and are bolstered by the addition of Palestinian winger Ahmad Maher to the side. While Croatian Sebastijan Antic leads the back line, the experienced duo of Amer Deeb and Abdallah Deeb are expected to control the midfield battle with Brazilian striker Francisco Wagsley leading the attack.

Bengaluru FC, in Al-Wehdat, face an opponents who have won the Jordan League 15 times, while also coming away with 10 Jordan FA Cup titles, 12 Jordan Super Cup titles and 8 Jordan FA Shield titles. In Asia, their best finish was a place in the semi-final of the AFC Cup in 2011.

An enticing game awaits the viewers only for them to miss it without any live television coverage to their disappointment.

AL WEHDAT SC

Injured: Mohamad Abu Nabhan

Doubtful: Amer Deeb

Key Players: Abdallah Deeb, Amer Deeb, Hassan Abdel-Fattah, Ahmad Maher

BENGALURU FC

Injured: Sena Ralte, Sandesh Jhingan, Rino Anto

Doubtful: John Johnson

Key Players: Sunil Chhetri, Cameroon Watson, CK Vineeth

Time: 9.30 PM IST