The buzz in the air might be that of the impending Indian Super League final, but Bengaluru FC (BFC) has to momentarily turn its attention to the AFC Cup where it takes on Abahani Dhaka in its Group E opener at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Wednesday.
More than half of the first-team squad is likely to be rested but with this being only the first game of the campaign, coach Albert Roca seemed relaxed. “I have to keep the final in mind,” Roca said. “I would have liked to pay more attention because this competition is important. But it’s only one game. We can make up later [lost ground if any].”
“I won’t play with the first XI, but I feel it is enough to get the points. We are not here to compete for nothing. There is the final, but the present is also important and we will try to win.”
For the away side, playing a less-than-full strength BFC side will present the best chance to earn some points. Abahani, after winning its domestic league in early January, has played only one match since then — its AFC Cup group stage opener last week against New Radiant, which it duly lost.
It has a new coach in Saiful Bari Titu who is just three weeks into his job and will have to make do without the services of Nigerian striker Sunday Chizoba Nwadialu who was sent off against New Radiant.
In the top-scorer’s absence, compatriot Emeka Onuoha will lead the line along with Japanese midfielder Seija Kojima.
“We didn’t have a pre-season,” said Saiful.
“The league ended only in January and it’s always a problem with the scheduling. Then we couldn’t get a few foreign players because of visa-related issues. Also our league is not competitive. We can afford to let some of our mistakes go unpunished there, but not here.”
Match kicks off at 8 p.m.