I-LEAGUE Media Team

BANGALORE: Bengaluru FC after thrashing Sporting Clube three days ago, meet their closest adversary Royal Wahingdoh FC on Friday evening 7 pm at the Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore.

Making their debut in the Hero I-League, Royal Wahingdoh have sprung some surprise. They have displayed a good brand of football and are tied with same points with Bengaluru, the latter is ahead in head-to-head and goal difference.

Bengaluru gaffer Ashley sounded cautious, “They’ve been playing well, they are a confident side, got some excellent individual attacking players, and don’t think too many would tick them off. Wahingdoh have beaten East Bengal and Pune, considered as top three teams this season.” He adds, “we need to play hard, be at our best, and try to get something!”

The hosts get a fully fit side despite playing their third game in last eight days. Also, Shankar and Siam’s return from the National U-23 side have boosted their strength, and have undergone training with the team. Ashley reckons, “They might get into the squad if I feel we need them.”

Ashley is perhaps still searching for the best attacking front as most of their goals have come from midfielders. “Our strikers have not clicked as much as we would have liked. We’ve not got the consistency as an out-and-out forward would have done”. He assures, “We’re performing well as a team and that is taking away the pressure from the central forwards!”

Royal Wahingdoh, though termed as the giant killers, have received solid 0-4 drubbing against Bengaluru FC at home this season.

Wahingdoh coach Santosh Kashyap rubbishes that the loss is in their mind. He states, “It was long back and we’ve moved on. I Believe we are much organized now, playing fantastic football, and confident”. Kashyap quickly adds, “We are in a good run and up against a team who too are in an excellent run!”

“Though we lost against BFC by a big margin, we played a better game, and that was not our day. The ball hit the crossbar thrice, and we conceded goals on counter attack. Our last two games have been exceptional, my boys executed what they’ve been taught, and as a coach what else do you want!”

Kashyap admits he is a better coach now surrounded by talented players, who can quickly adapt the technique; the result has come out in a very short term. His strict instruction to his players is to keep their mind-off from top finish or relegation threat, and concentrate match by match.

Tomorrows match would also see local boy, team’s goalkeeper Nikhil Bernard in action. He represented Karnataka in various age groups – U-16, U-19, and U-21, and then had a two year stint with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Nikhil will be playing his first Hero I-League match at his hometown tomorrow evening.

Match KO: Apr 3 @ 7 PM IST (Ten Action)
 

Hashtag: #BFCvRWFC