Bengaluru FC's Coach Zaragoza: AFC CL 2 Playoffs Drive for Kalinga Super Cup

Synopsis

Bengaluru FC begins their Kalinga Super Cup journey facing Inter Kashi, aiming for a spot in the AFC Champions League 2 Playoffs. Coach Gerard Zaragoza stresses the importance of winning the Cup as motivation for the team. With key players ready, they are prepared for a challenging match ahead.

Key Takeaways

Bengaluru FC opens Kalinga Super Cup against Inter Kashi.
Aim to qualify for AFC Champions League 2 Playoffs.
Coach Zaragoza emphasizes winning as motivation.
Key players include Sunil Chhetri and Edgar Mendez.
Inter Kashi features experienced players like Arindam Bhattacharja.

Bhubaneswar, April 22 (NationPress) Bengaluru FC begins their Kalinga Super Cup journey with a Round of 16 clash against Inter Kashi at the Kalinga Stadium this Wednesday. The ultimate aim is to secure a place in the AFC Champions League 2 Playoffs, and Coach Gerard Zaragoza emphasizes the added motivation to qualify for this prestigious continental tournament.

"Achieving qualification for the AFC Champions League 2 Playoffs through victory in the Kalinga Super Cup serves as a significant motivation. I aspire for the players to seize every opportunity. BFC has a commendable history in Asia, and our goal is to reclaim our position there," Zaragoza stated during the pre-match press conference.

With a limit of six foreign players permitted to start in a Super Cup match, Zaragoza has arrived in Odisha with the aim of ensuring that a tournament victory guarantees a place in next year’s continental event. The contributions from Edgar Mendez, Ryan Williams, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, and Alberto Noguera in the offensive line will be pivotal, alongside the constant goal threat posed by captain Sunil Chhetri. Defender Aleksandar Jovanovic, who has announced his retirement from professional football post-tournament, will be eager to finish on a high note.

Inter Kashi will be without their Head Coach, Antonio Lopez Habas, having secured second place in the I-League and boasting an experienced lineup. Key players include goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharja, defenders Narayan Das and Sarthak Golui, midfielder Joni Kauko, and forward Prasanth Karuthadathkuni, all of whom have prior experience in the Indian Super League.

Joining their attack are former BFC players Bidyashagar Singh and Edmund Lalrindika, along with Spanish forward Mario Barco. Serbian Nikola Stojanović, the I-League's top scorer with nine goals, will be integral in midfield for Inter Kashi, who will have Assistant Coach Carlos Fonseca leading from the sidelines on Wednesday.

The two teams previously ended their group stage encounter in a 1-1 draw and later met in the Durand Cup, where BFC triumphed with a 3-0 victory.

"This marks our third encounter with Inter Kashi in under a year. Both teams are well-acquainted and we anticipate a challenging match. Inter Kashi is a strong team with solid structure. Competing in the heat during a 4:30 PM kickoff will not be easy," he added.