Match: Bengaluru FC v Tampines Rovers
Date: 14 September, Wednesday
Time: 9:30pm SGT/7pm IST/2:30pm BST
Venue: Kanteerava Stadium
Competition: 2016 AFC Cup
TV Coverage: In Singapore, the TV coverage of the clash between Bengaluru FC and Tampines Rovers will be on Fox Sports Singapore.
Overview
Bengaluru FC host Tampines Rovers at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru in the 2016 AFC Cup quarter-final first leg on 14 September.
The 2015/16 I-League champions have made their way into the last-eight round of the tournament stunning Hong Kong's Kitchee 3-2 in the Round of 16 clash. Playing away from home at the Mong Kok Stadium, Bengaluru FC were helped by a brace from captain Sunil Chhetri. It wasn't easy for the Indian club as they gave away an early goal and were tied 2-2 at half time. However, 19-year-old striker Daniel Lalhlimpuia sealed it with the winner for The Blues.
A big test awaits Bengaluru FC, who are heading into their first game under new manager Albert Roca. The club had achieved phenomenal success since its inception winning the domestic I-League title twice (2013/14, 2015/16) and the Federation Cup once 2014/15) under its former boss Ashley Westwood.
S.League club Tampines Rovers are expected to make life difficult for the hosts. The Stags won three of their six matches in the group stages finishing second in Group C behind Ceres FC (Philippines). They overpowered I-League club Mohun Bagan in their Round of 16 clash 2-1 to progress in the tournament.
The visitors will rely on Canadian winger Jordan Webb and former Liverpool mainstay Jermaine Pennant to deliver the goods in the quarter-final clash. Republic of Ireland striker Billy Mehmet, who signed for the S.League club ahead of the 2016/17 season, would want to continue his goal-scoring form.
It will be a tough task for John Johnson-led defense of Bengaluru FC to stop the Tampines. 23-year-old custodian, Amrinder Singh, who won the Best Goalkeeper Award for the 2015/16 I-League season, will be crucial to the home side's performance in the home tie.
Coach Roca would be motivated to begin his stint with the hosts on a high. Chhetri's recent form will be a big boost to the plans of the former Barcelona assistant coach. Bengaluru will want to make the most of the home advantage before playing the return leg at Jalan Besar Stadium on 21 September.
TV Schedule
Singapore: Fox Sports Singapore
India: Star Sports 2
Team News
Bengaluru FC
Possible XI: Arminder Singh; Keegan Joseph Clarence, John Johnson, Rino Anto, Lalnunmawia Fanai; Michael Collins, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Alwyn George; Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh, Daniel Lalhlimpuia
Tampines Rovers
Possible XI: Izwan Mahbud; Muhammad Jufri Taha, Afiq Yunos, Abu Sujad, Shakir Hamzah; Jermaine Pennant, Mustafic Fahrudin, Izzdin Shafiq, Jordan Webb; Billy Mehmet, Sufian Annuar
