This Thursday. the Kanteerava Stadium came alive with a crescendo of cheering. There was sheer revelry in the air as Bengaluru Football Club (BFC) created history by becoming the first Indian club to enter the final of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup.
Footie fans in the city celebrated as captain Sunil Chhetri with his team stunned the defending champions JDT in the second leg to win. BFC will now meet Air Force Club of Iraq in the title round in Doha on November 5. We speak to some prominent city fans on the glorious match moments and if they are planning to head out to watch the finals live.
Waseem Ahmed, leader of the West Block Blues BFC fan club and an engineer who almost lost his voice after all the cheering at the stadium says, “We’re a group of fans who are going to Doha to watch the finals. Infact, we’re gathering as many fans as possible and booking our flights for the finals on November 5. We want our team to win. We’re going to represent our city and country to show our love for our team. It’s a historical moment. The crowd support matters a lot, so we’ve also started getting a large number of Indians living in Doha to join us.”
BFC’s captain Sunil Chhetri posted a snap of a letter left on his seat by fans. He couldn’t be more grateful about how his team is loved, and is waiting to create history. Ashwini Ponnappa showed her support at the game with a painted cheek, and by posing with fans at the stadium.
The ace badminton player, who has represented the country in the international badminton circuit states, “The experience of watching BFC creating history was unbelievable. The boys played outstandingly. It was amazing to see so many people come out and support them. The fans were superb. I loved how the boys fought and gave it their all. My best wishes and prayers are with them. I’m sure if they play the way they did at the semis, they’ll create history as the first Indian team to win the AFC.”
Carun Carumbiah, Next Level sport & entertainment is elated, “I expect BFC to win the finals after the amazing win against the champions JDT. The confidence will take them through. Football and club football has arrived in India, thanks to JSW. The experience was comparable to watching India win the 2011 Cricket World Cup at the Wankhede. Sitara (Menon) and I are considering going to Doha, if it doesn’t clash with my work.”
A huge football fan, Vishvan Saran, SPT Sports adds, “It’s a proud moment in history; a clear sign of how football and our players have progressed. I’m glad we have great football to watch. The finals will be really exciting — I’m sure they will give it their all and emerge champions. It’s especially thrilling to see Eugene play apart from Sunil Chhetri as he was at my school and we used to watch him play inter school football matches.” C’mon you Blues! Make us proud!
