AFC Cup: Tampines Rovers FC 0-0 Bengaluru FC - 5 talking points
Bengaluru FC made history as they qualified for the semi-finals of the AFC Cup thanks to a 0-0 draw against Tampines Rovers. Some resolute defending by the Blues ensured that the slender 1-0 lead they brought into the second leg was preserved.
Although Tampines started the better team, their sluggishness late on in the game meant that they just did not have the legs to break down John Johnson and co.
Here are 5 talking points from the game:
#1 Bengaluru FC could go all the way
Bengaluru FC became just the third Indian side in the history of the AFC Cup to reach the semi-finals. Based on their performances over the week, however, it is safe to say that they could go all the way. Albert Roca’s philosophy seems to have paid off and the side seems much more cultured since the time of Ashley Westwood.
The Blues will face either Al Ahed of Lebanon or Al Muharraq of Bahrain in the semi-finals and will fancy their chances of progression. Albert Roca, in his first interview for the club, had stated that the AFC Cup would be the club’s first priority and their performance in the quarter-finals would have delighted the manager for sure.