A goal scoring draw will take Ngawang Dendup’s men into the two legged mid-February playoffs.
Minnows Transport United surprised most of the Bengaluru FC faithfuls when they held the Indian heavyweights to a goalless draw in the first leg. With tickets of today’s second leg encounter at the Sree Kanteerava sold out, the match promises to be an exciting affair.
The Transport camp is taking the news of a housefull stadium positively. Head coach, Ngawang Dendup said, “our players are highly motivated by the news coming out of the Bengaluru FC camp. A packed house would definitely pump up the adrenaline of the boys.”
On the other hand, Bengaluru’s head coach, Albert Roca, hinted he may not make much changes to the side that played the first leg. The Spaniard said, “football is always about risks and tomorrow could be a tough game and full of pressure for the boys on the pitch. But the tight calendar has left me with little choice. These two games are a chance for my squad to show that they are all capable.” A news which Ngawang Dendup says will benefit his team.
Albert Roca also outlined the dangers Transport United possess. At the pre match press conference, yesterday, he said “they can be dangerous on their day and we can’t take this game lightly. We know that a win can take us through but we know that the equ
ation is the same for them and that they will put on a strong show.”
Sunil Chettri was one of the key names missing during the first leg. But he was seen training with the squad ahead of the match. Goal scorer in their Indian Super League match against NorthEast United, Juanan Gonzalez, is also expected to feature in the game, tonight.
Transport United’s Nigerian player, Eze Nnajiuba Collins, will start alongside Kencho Tobgay upfront. The Nigerian joined up with the squad on the day of the first leg match, last time out. This is the only change expected in the Transport United lineup. However, Purna Kumar Pradhan didn’t travel with the squad due to some domestic issues.
The winner from this tie will face winner of the second South Zone preliminary round fixture between Bangladesh’s Saif Sporting Club and Maldives’ TC Sports Club.
Transport United’s expected starting lineup:
Goalkeeper: Hari Gurung
Defence: Choki Wangchuk, Kinley Penjor, Tenzin Dorji, Thinley Dorji
Midfielder: Sonam Tobgay, Kezang Wangdi, Dawa Tshering(16), Dawa Tshering(14)
Forward: Kencho Tobgay, Eze Nnajiuba Collins
