What: Bengaluru FC up against Johor Darul Takzim for the AFC Cup 2016 finals
When: 19 October 2016
Where: Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore
Score: BFC 3-1 JDT (agg. 4-2)
First Half
The match started with each side solid and eager with one goal each from the first leg. Bengaluru dominated the possession right from the start. It’s little wonder, considering the atmosphere at home, the crowd cheering them on, and the fire inside to be the first Indian club to make it to the AFC Cup Finals.
Despite the possession, a swift counter-attack and a brisk Safee-Safiq partnership gave JDT its first goal at the 11th minute.
The Tigers appeared to be motivated by the first goal, pushing past Bengaluru’s defence to nail the second goal. This time however, they failed to convert the chances and Bengaluru were determined to land a blow. A corner for Bengaluru saw Sunil Chhetri unmarked, who instinctively rose to head home at the 40th minute, making it 1-1.
The score was still tied, 1-1 (2-2 on aggregate).
Second Half
The second half saw both sides aggressively looking to break away from the draw, as Vineeth and Antonio worked to find Chhetri for a second. With the increased pressure, Mario Gomez decided to shake things up by bringing on midfielder Gary Steven Robbat for Amirulhadi
But not too long later, Chhetri heads home another one from 30 yards, while the JDT defenders and goalkeeper could only look on. The Tigers were relentless, they continue pushing and working their way around to get back into the race.
Unfortunately, a free kick for Bengaluru on the 74th minute sealed the win for The Blues, as Juanan headed home after a good delivery from Eugene Lyngdoh. The Blues were now up 3-1, and crowd went wild with applause and chants.
After a mini-brawl on the pitch, JDT continued battling on, but to no avail. Mario Gomez then brings on Junior Eldstal for Azamuddin. With only 10 minutes left on the clock, Eldstal takes a shot but it gets saved by BFC’s Amrinder Singh. Not too long later, the referee blew the final whistle.
The victory meant that Bengaluru FC became the first ever Indian club to progress into the AFC Cup final, and they will go up against Air Force Club from Iraq to compete for the title, next month.
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