Sans Sunil Chhetri, Bengaluru begin AFC campaign tomorrow

Vientiane (Laos): Their captain and star striker Sunil Chhetri left out due to an injury, Bengaluru FC begin their campaign in the AFC Cup football against Lao Toyota FC here on Wednesday.

Chhetri, the national team captain, has not made the trip owing to a strained groin while livewire midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh will also be missed tomorrow as he continues his recuperation from a fracture.

However, young striker Daniel Lalhlimpuia will be in the reckoning after recovering from a knee injury that had kept him on the sidelines for over a month.

Despite the absence of the likes of Chhetri and Lyngdoh, head coach Ashley Westwood said his team's tryst with continental football last season could hold them in good stead in the Group H opener at the National Stadium here.

The Blues arrived here on Sunday before putting in two training sessions yesterday and today and the gaffer said preparations for the game were on track.

We've been here two days which was good because the players have had time to acclimatise. We've had a look at the pitch, we've had a little football and the lads are keen to get going," said Westwood at the match-eve press conference.

Lao Toyota, like Bengaluru, were established in 2013 and made the AFC Cup group stages by virtue of being the Lao Premier League champions last season. Their previous and only AFC Cup journey ended with an exit in the group stages last season after three draws and three defeats.

While Bengaluru have never faced Lao Toyota, Westwood said that his team had been studying some footage of their opponents.

We've watched a few videos from last season given that the League here has not begun as yet and we are well aware of what we are up against. The Lao players are technically and physically good and will prove tough opposition. We've played in Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore and Hong Kong and we know the standard and level that Asia demands. Hopefully, we will give a good account of ourselves," said Westwood.

Bengaluru put up a good show in Asia last season, coming out of group stages behind Indonesian side Persipura Jayapura before going down 2-0 to South China in the Round of 16.

Malaysian team and current AFC Cup champions Johor Darul Ta'zim FC and Ayeyawady United FC of Myanmar complete Group H.

"We know the standard, the level of the AFC Cup, and we hope to get the first point here," Westwood said.

Westwood tipped Johor to be the favourites in the group. "If you see where they are and what they've done, I think Johor are the favourites. They've also had a huge injection of money where they have signed some players. After that, it's between us, Lao Toyota and Ayeyawady," said Westwood.

Laos Premier League champions Lao Toyota are seeking their first win in the AFC Cup.

Lao made their AFC Cup debut last year and picked up three points from three draws, all of which came at home. "The Lao Premier League haven't started yet so tomorrow is going to be our first hard test against a strong Indian team," said Lao Coach Valakone Phomphakdy.

"However, the club is looking forward to it and we will give our best to take the first points at home."