BFC set for Korean test

Football action will return to the Sree Kanteerava stadium when a new-look Bengaluru FC take on 4.25 Sports Club of North Korea in the first leg of the AFC Cup inter-zonal semifinal on Wednesday.

Having made the switch to the Indian Super League (ISL) in the domestic circuit this season, BFC had an opportunity to be a part of the players’ draft for the Indian players — a chance that they have utilised wisely. And having added a handful of shrewd foreign names to the list, head coach Albert Roca is expected to have an headache when he sits down to name his playing XI.

“I am happy with what we have. But I would have liked to have more time with these players because it is a big game for the club. But I’m sure my boys will fight. They’re motivated and they’re hungry as they are in the semifinal. My first message for my boys is to be mentally strong because I know it won’t be easy,” said Roca during the pre-match press briefing.

Having found reasonable success in Asia with his three-man defence, the Spaniard could once again rely on the same formation when his side faces 4.25 SC. While their latest addition Grupreet Singh Sandhu is certain to take the goal, the backline will see a change with defensive stalwart John Johnson being unavailable for the campaign. It would be interesting to see who among Zohmingliana Ralte, Collin Abranches and Joyner Lourenco partners Juan Gonzales.

Spaniards Dimas Delgado and Antonio Dovale are expected to marshal the troops in the midfield while Australian Erik Paartalu is likely to pair up with skipper Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh in the attack for the 2016 finalists.

Consistent show

While Bengaluru have been a constant name in Asia’s second tier club competition for three years, their opponents return to this fold for the first time in 25 years. The Korean Cup winners are expected to present a tricky test for Bengaluru who themselves would have been boosted by their Spanish sojourn for pre-season preparations earlier this month.

The visitors were undefeated in their group to finish ahead of fellow North Korean side Kigwancha SC and have been one of the most successful clubs in the the North Korean league, winning it a staggering 15 times.

Their attack seems to be their biggest weapon, having pumped in a total of 14 goals so far in this campaign. And things are expected to be no different as the Hwang Yong Song-coached side will throw bodies ahead to try and break Bengaluru’s resilience.