On the verge of scripting history, Bengaluru FC will seek to become the first Indian club to enter the final of AFC Cup when they lock horns with defending champions Johor Darul Takzim in the semi-final of the premier event in Bengaluru, on Wednesday.
On earlier occasions, two Indian clubs -- East Bengal and Dempo -- had reached the last four stage.
The match at Sree Kanteerava Stadium will be the fourth meeting between Bengaluru FC and Malaysian club Johor Darul Takzim in this edition of the tournament.
The two were clubbed together in the group stage and the Malaysian giants had won both the home and away matches.
However, in the semis, Bengaluru made a good comeback, scoring a crucial away goal to hold JDT 1-1 but despite that they are not taking anything for granted.
"If we want to be in the finals, we have to score a goal or two. The away goal is simply a consolation," Albert Roca, BFC coach, said on the eve of the match.
Despite the absence of key players in their opposition, Bengaluru FC aware that it will be important to guard against complacency. The visitors will be without Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Juan Martin Lucero and Amri Yahyah.
"This team is still champion of the competition. They are still the favorites. It is not going to be easy. It is going to be a tough mission, but we are ready for it. We have shown we are competitive in the past and we have to show it again, tomorrow," Roca said.
Also their replacements are as competent as the suspended players, Roca said.
"It would be a fiercest mistake to consider tomorrow's match easy. They have good replacements -- both are good national players and could be more competitive than the suspended Argentinian players," he said.
Image: Bengaluru FC players during a training session.
Photograph courtesy: Bengaluru FC/Twitter
