Eyes on Asia, BFC face Johor challenge

Football : Blues face Malaysian giants in the first tie today

Bengaluru FC will look to make the most of their opportunities when they lock horns with the Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim in their AFC Champions League preliminary qualifier at the Larkin Stadium, Johor, Malaysia on Wednesday.

The I-League champions are geared up for what their coach, Ashley Westwood, believes will be the biggest night yet. The gaffer said his boys are keen on giving a good account of themselves on the Asian stage.

“On the day anything can happen. We will go into the game and apply ourselves correctly which is our framework and see where it takes us. We are looking forward to our experience in Asian Football,” said Westwood.

After a rather indifferent start to their title defence, the Blue Brigade recorded their first win of the I-League campaign when they handed newly promoted side Royal Wahingdoh a 4-0 in their own backyard. But Westwood isn’t making too much of it with relation to the challenge in Johor.

“The morale in the camp is good. We have come here on the back of a 4-0 win which stands us in good stead. But this is football and change is regular. We don't look at anything into the past and we’re looking forward to a good match.

“Hopefully we can do ourselves some justice and look what we can bring to the table,” added the Englishman.

Johor, on their part, began their title defence in the Malaysia Super League with a 2-0 win over Pahang last week and while coach Bojan Hodak admitted that playing at home will work for them, he isn’t  willing take the opponents lightly.

“Of course, we are playing at home and I have always said that if you are playing at home, no matter who you are up against, you are always favourites. But it's going to be a tough match. Bengaluru are a good, organised and physical team. We have seen a few of their videos. We are coming into the game on the back of a win and the spirit in the camp is good,” he said.

The Malaysian giants will be without their Argentine striker Luciano Figueroa who is out injured. On the other hand, Westwood, will have a fully fit squad at his disposal when he sits down to choose the eleven.

A win here would see Bengaluru travel to play Bangkok Glass in their bid to move closer to the league stages of Asia's premier club competition.