We know we're in for a tough game: Eugenson Lyngdoh

Bengaluru: A couple of weeks ago, Eugenson Lyngdoh scored one of the most important goals in his club history. It not only brought Bengaluru FC to life in Johor, it pumped them up for a possible knockout punch at home in the second leg on Wednesday.

“I think it is (most important goal I scored for the club) because it’s very valuable. After I scored the goal we were very happy and the team was pumped up,” said Lyngdoh on Sunday.

That goal came last month when Bengaluru FC were trailing by a goal to Johor Darul Ta’zim in the first leg of the AFC Cup semi-final. That goal came through when the midfielder decided to take matters into his own hands and slam in a screamer, with his weak foot no less, to draw parity for his side and earn a coveted away goal.

Now, just days before the second leg, Lyngdoh is looking ahead. “The away goal is just a cushion for us but we can’t take them lightly. I think our mentality will be to attack. We want to win the game. The mood (in the camp) is good. We know we are in for a tough game so we are preparing for that,” he revealed.

“We are just taking it like a normal game because we don’t want to take on the pressure.” He also had few words for the fans, who are expected to turn out in large numbers at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday.

“When we have fans behind us we get a lot of boost. You get your extra adrenaline and you want to do that much more because you don’t want to let them down. When we come out to the ground and the fans are there, it’s a great feeling,” remarked the Indian star.

The fact that the away side will be coming into the match with three of their key players out with suspension, which many would take as a plus, matters little to the former Shillong Lajong player.

“I won’t consider that as an advantage because the person who will come in will want to prove himself and can prove to be equally good,” came the reply.
With BFC looking to create history and become the first Indian club to reach the title round in the AFC Cup, the midfield maestro has full confidence in his side’s ability to pull off this feat.

“Why not? We have the capability and the players. So yeah, I think we could be the first Indian club to enter the final. But we know there is a tough 90 minutes ahead of us here,” opined Lyngdoh.

Having established himself as one of the best players in the country over the last two years, the 30-year-old has been moved to the left wing from his preferred central role by head coach Albert Roca.

A role, quintessential team man that he is, the Shillong-born star is keen to master. “I’m adjusting to it. It’s not easy but I’m trying to get used to it as soon as possible. It’s a team game so being on the wing is all part of being a team. I will play where the team needs me to play and I’ll give my best. I’ve got no issues with whatever position I have to play, I am just trying to adapt to it quickly. That’s the main motive,” stressed the midfielder.