AIFF Media Team

BENGALURU: In a do or die situation to stay afloat in the Hero Federation Cup, Bengaluru FC are all set to host Aizawl FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on May 03, 2016 in Bengaluru. The kick-off for which is at 9PM IST.

Aizawl FC’s existence thus far in the National scene might be for a short time but Jahar Das’s squad have already proved their mettle as they defeated newly crowned Hero I-League Champions Bengaluru FC in the reverse fixture of the Hero Federation Cup last Saturday.

Although Aizawl FC clinched a 2-1 win against Bengaluru FC, the vital away goal which Bengaluru FC scored courtesy of Eugeneson Lyngdoh’s strike from distance could prove to be crucial come tomorrow.

Speaking in the Official Pre-Match Press Conference Aizawl FC’s Head Coach Jahar Das claimed that it was advantage Bengaluru FC in the Hero Federation Cup tie. “It is not ours, rather their (Bengaluru FC’s) advantage as they will be playing at their home ground and a team like Bengaluru FC are unlikely to go out in the first round.

“Although they will be under pressure, they are a good team and we have to be on top of our game if we have to progress into the next round”

Explaining his game plan for the win against Bengaluru FC in Aizawl last time around, Das opined, “I told my boys, if we can manage to hold them for first 30 minutes, we can probably get the most out of the match”

“We showed character in the game and proved that we are a tough side to beat”

However, despite a goal advantage over Bengaluru FC, Das believes that, “Tomorrow’s match will be an equal fight. Both Teams have pluses and minuses, but for us, we want to give the best performance.” 

Bengaluru FC’s gaffer Ashley Westwood seemed confident going into the tie and looked to cash-in on the home advantage. “We are at home and we have got a good record at home. The lads played very well for the first 30 minutes of the game against Aizwal and we should have taken a 4-0 lead to be honest, but we lost our concentration and that hampered the match for us”

“I am sure we will create more chances tomorrow and hopefully score a few goals” added Westwood. 

The kick-off on May 3 is at 9pm and the match will be streamed live on www.i-league.org