BENGALURU EYE WIN TO LAUNCH AFC CAMPAIGN

Bengaluru: High on confidence after making it to the final of the Indian Super League in their first season, Bengaluru FC will look to begin their AFC Cup group stage campaign on a high note with a win over Abahani Dhaka Limited here on Wednesday. Bengaluru go into the match with their tails up after an enthralling 3- 1 win over FC Pune City in the second leg of the Indian Super League on March 11 here. In contrast, Bangladesh Premier League champions Abahani have come here after a 0- 1 loss to Maldives’ New Rediant Club in their backyard. Bengaluru made it to the group stage after routing T C Sports of Maldives 5- 0 in the second leg here on February 21 with a splendid hat- trick by Toni Dovale. The other two goals were scored by Erik Paartalu and Rahul Bheke. This is not the first time Bengaluru are facing Abahani. They met last April here when Bengaluru had emerged 2- 0 winners, riding on Nishu Kumar and Marjan Jugovic’s goals. Bengaluru skipper Sunil Chhetri and Miku, who are in tremendous form, would like to continue with their flare of getting goals for the side. In the last match, Chhetri came up with a magnificent hat- trick. Between Chhetri and Miku, both have scored 27 goals in ISL, with 13 and 14 strikes respectively.