AFC Cup 2018: How Bengaluru FC can qualify for the knockout stage
What’s the story?
The much awaited Group E clash between New Radiant SC and Bengaluru FC (BFC) takes place on April 25, 2018, Wednesday. While this will be an away game for the club from India, the Southern Eagles will be tipped as favourites to come out on top of this crunch match.
Despite the fact that they have won all their three matches in the AFC Cup Group E so far, the Blues still have some way to go, in order to qualify for the knockout stage of the competition.
In case you didn’t know…
Bengaluru FC have been undefeated in the Maldives so far, as they will be eyeing to make the most of the current AFC Cup. The first leg of this contest was won by BFC earlier this month, courtesy a goal in the closing minutes of the match from Nishu Kumar as the final score-line read 1-0 post the full-time whistle.
Despite their dominance, however, Bengaluru find themselves in a crucial stage in the group, as only the top team gets to make it to the Inter-Zone semifinals.
Heart of the matter
As New Radiant SC are second in the group, just three points adrift of Bengaluru FC, this match essentially becomes a six-pointer. If Bengaluru FC win, they take a six-point lead at the top of the group.
A win against the Maldivian side would put them in a commanding position in the group, as they would require just one draw from the last two matches, in order to secure qualification.
What’s next?
The AFC Cup follows a rather complicated process in the knockout stages. If Bengaluru FC do make it past the group stage, they would enter the Inter-Zone semifinals, and then on to the Inter-Zone Final.
The winner of the Inter-Zone final and the West Zone finals will go on to clash in the main summit clash.
Author’s take
Considering the top form BFC are in right now, and the promise Roca’s men have shown over the course of the Indian Super League as well as the Indian Super Cup recently, Bengaluru FC will surely be going into the fixture against New Radiant as fan-favourites and will be determined to clinch the victory.