AFC Cup 2018: Aizawl FC vs Bengaluru FC, Match Preview

I-League club Aizawl FC is set to host their former league opponents Bengaluru FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati in an AFC Cup group stage clash.

Aizawl FC achieved direct qualification to the AFC Cup group stage after they lost out to Iranian club Zob Ahan in the AFC Champions League play-off. Their opponents Bengaluru FC ensured their entry into the AFC Cup after a two-legged playoff win over Maldivian side TC Sports Club.

The two sides come into this game on the back of victories in the ongoing Indian Super Cup, albeit in slightly contrasting fashion. Aizawl FC defeated ISL 2017-18 Champions Chennaiyin FC via penalty shootout whereas Bengaluru FC were made to toil for their 2-1 win over Gokulam Kerala FC.

Bengaluru FC began their AFC Cup group stage campaign on a winning note with a 1-0 win in Bengaluru over Abahani Dhaka as the solitary strike from Daniel Lahlimpuia was enough to secure the three points. Aizawl FC, on the other hand, lost their opening match against Maldivian champions New Radiant SC.

Albert Roca, the Bengaluru head coach played a full-strength squad against Gokulam in the Super Cup but will hope the new additions to the squad for the AFC Cup will come through in the highlands of Guwahati.

Aizawl coach Santosh Kashyap will have to manage with the absence of his defender Lalram Hmunmawia, who was sent off during the match against New Radiant SC. He will count on his experienced campaigners like Alfred Jaryan, Masih Saighani and Andrei Ionescu to put on a strong front against the formidable Bengaluru side.

Bengaluru FC are currently second in the group standings behind New Radiant SC, whereas Aizawl FC lie on the third spot.

Match Info

Aizawl FC vs Bengaluru FC

Venue: Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati

Kick off: 6:30 p.m. IST

Telecast: No telecast in India

Live stream information: AFC Facebook page (Not confirmed)

You can follow all the live updates from the match right here at Sportskeeda.com.