Internet Desk: Bengaluru FC created history today by becoming the first Indian club to reach the AFC Cup final. The Blues came from a goal behind to take the match 3-1 against defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim. Captain Sunil Chhetri and Juan Antonio Gonzalez Fernandez scored for the Blues while Safiq scored for the Malaysian side. Alberto Roca’s side will now take on Al-Qawa Al-Jawiya of Iraq in the final at Doha on November 05.
Much to the disappointment for the home fans the Malaysian side who took the lead through Safiq Rahim after just 11 minutes of play. It was a terrible error from Bengaluru FC custodian Amrinder who got a hand to the shot which was hit straight at him but couldn’t stop it but it from crossing the goal-line.
Conceding the goal, Alberto Roca’s side put more pressure to find the equalizer. The hosts did get the equalizer in the 40th minute of the match by Sunil Chhetri. The Blues captain out jumped the tall Johor defenders with a stunning header following a Lyngdoh. At half time, the score remained 1-1.
It was Chhetri again who gave his side the all important lead in the 67th minute. It was sheer brilliance from the Indian captain as he found himself some shooting space and powered the ball past the goalkeeper with a curving shot outside the box.
The Malaysian club found themselves trailing by a goal with quarter of an hour’s time to go but struggled heavily to create good chances for themselves. There were heated exchanges between the players on the pitch as tempers soared high.
Spanish defender Juan sealed the fate for hosts as his powerful header defeated the Johor goalkeeper in the 75th minute of the match.
Bengaluru FC hence registered their name in the history of Indian football by becoming the first Indian club to cement a place in the AFC Cup Final.