Bangalore: JSW Bengaluru FC will be looking to accomplish what no Indian club has achieved previously when they host Johor Darul Ta’zim in their AFC Cup semi-final second leg match at Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday.
Eugeneson Lyngdoh’s away goal in the 1-1 first leg draw in Malaysia has given the hosts belief they can complete the mission at home and become the first Indian side to reach the final of the competition.
“Eugene has scored a very important goal, which is good for the team,” said Bengaluru coach Albert Roca. “It is very clear for us that this is a good opportunity so we have to make good on our home advantage".
The Spaniard will be able to count on a full-strength squad to deliver the goods in front of an expectant home nation willing their countrymen on to make Asian football history.
The coach has declared the Indian champions’ intention to attack and seize the initiative from the first whistle against a Johor side who will be without the suspended attacking trio of Martin Lucero, Jorge Pererya Diaz and Amri Yahyah.
“Circumstances have changed a bit and it will be a very tough mission, but we will be ready for that and show that we are a competitive side at this level,” said the former Barcelona assistant coach.
“Our intention is to go ahead and we have to score one or two goals to get to the final".
While the suspension of three key Johor forwards has dented their potency, Roca has cautioned his side from easing up defensively against the defending champions.
“Johor are still the champions of the competition, so they are still favourites,” he said. “They have good Malaysian players who play for the national team.”
The absence of Johor's banned strikers has left coach Mario Gomez with a headache in the attacking department. With Safee Sali as the only recognised forward available, the Argentine hinted that he might tweak his tactics for the second leg.
“Bengaluru are a strong side and they gave us a tough fight in the first leg,” he said. “Knowing that we are without three key players and the Bengaluru defence is their strong point, we have to find a way to score that crucial away goal".
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com