Upbeat Bengaluru FC eye good show at home

Bengaluru, August 19: As the countdown for the crucial AFC Cup inter-zonal semifinal nears, Bengaluru FC are a buoyant lot.

The Blues will take on North Korean side April 25 at home in the first leg semifinal on Wednesday (August 23).

The AFC Cup runners-up are back to their base in Bengaluru after a 10-day training camp in Spain and the boys hit their straps immediately.

Talking about the big game coming up in five days time, coach Albert Roca exuded confidence about a good show from his wards, who had reached the final last year.

"We want to get a good result in the home game and that's all we want to focus on as of now. We just want to work hard and achieve the level that we expect at this point in the season. It's going to be a very good game for the supporters and I hope they come in numbers to cheer their own," Roca told Bengaluru FC website.

The Sunil Chhetri-led squad is a blend of youth and experience with many pre-season signings and Roca, who was an asssistant coach with Spanish giants Barcelona long ago hopes his players will rise to the big occasion.

""It is very important to give an opportunity to our young players, because they can go on to become important players for the club in the future.

"Everybody knows that it's an important game for the club. We'll do our best and try to get a good result for the club and the fans," Roca added.

Meanwhile it was birthday time for academy graduate Prashanth Kalinga and wishes poured in on the club's Facebook page.