JOIN USThe political unrest in the Maldives and the uncertainty surrounding Bengaluru FC's travel plans to the island nation did little to deter the Indian Super League table-toppers as they came away with a valuable 3-2 victory over TC Sports Club in an AFC Cup play-off fixture on February 13.
After an even contest in the first half, BFC shifted gears in the second period with Thongkhosiem Haokip netting a brace and Erik Paartalu adding another to ensure the Blues step on to their home turf at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday with three invaluable away goals.
Despite going into the game with an advantage, coach Albert Roca isn't taking his opponents lightly and expects a tough fight. "In Male, they really troubled us in the last 20 minutes or so. It is definitely going to be a tough fight tomorrow and we need to be in all readiness to tackle it," he said ahead of the return leg.
"Considering the way they were pressing, we were lucky to get the third goal and what we need to do now is to keep the intensity high and try hard to score first. That will ease some pressure," opined Roca.
Rotating the squad, especially for the AFC games, is something Bengaluru has done well and Roca affirmed the trend would continue, though the fixture stood on a knife's edge.
"For sure, I will (rotate the squad). I have complete faith in my squad and believe everyone can participate. We have to protect a few players and I am glad that those who come in enjoy the opportunity to showcase their fitness levels and commitment."
The solid Harmanjot Khabra was replaced in the defence by Rahul Bheke after sustaining an injury early in the first leg. It was learnt that Khabra is still on the road to recovery and will miss the home leg. Being a crunch game, the towering Juanan, who didn't travel to Male, could feature in the starting XI in place of Zohmingliana Ralte. While the likes of skipper Sunil Chhetri and Paartalu could be called upon depending on the situation. In all likelihood, Juanan will have Bheke, Subhashish Bose and Nishu Kumar for company at the back.
Teams have the option of changing their squad for the Group Stages of the tournament but Spaniard Roca said he wasn't thinking that far ahead.
"Let's first pay attention to what is going to happen in tomorrow's game. We must not get ahead of ourselves. Our opposition deserve that respect."
Bengaluru will have to keep an eye on TC Sports Club's Kyrgyz playmaker Anatoliy Vlasichev, whom Roca reserved special praise for. The home team can also expect the rest of the Maldivian side to give no quarter considering the one-goal deficit.
Voicing that the only baggage they have carried forth from the first leg are the lessons learnt, TC Sports Club coach Mohamed Nizam said: "We are going to give it our all. It's a fresh game and the only focus will be on winning. That is our strategy, especially against a team as strong as Bengaluru FC."
In the previous game, both side's were locked at half-time but Nizam was of the belief that the game was played at a good tempo and expects more of the same from his players.
"I don't think either team started slowly. It was an even contest that was fast-paced. In the second half, we tinkered with the strategy a little and it did work largely. Unfortunately we conceded a late goal," he said.
The side progressing from this clash will join Abahani (Bangladesh), Aizawl FC and New Radiant (Maldives) in Group E of the AFC Cup.