CHARLES D'SOUZA
MARGAO
Bengaluru FC might have come close to making history by becoming the first Indian football club to win an Asian title but former India, Dempo and East Bengal coach Armando Colaco feels that by reaching the finals of the AFC Cup, the south-based club has marked the beginning of a new era for India's club football.
Bengaluru FC suffered a heartbreaking 0-1 defeat at the hands of Iraq Air Force Club in the final of the AFC Cup. “The success of Bengaluru FC in the AFC Cup proved the importance of I-League clubs in improving the standard of the game in the country," said Armando Colaco who is the coach of FC Bardez.
"I am very happy the way Bengaluru FC reached the AFC Cup final. What was more heartening was that Bengaluru FC played with seven Indian players in the playing eleven and still made the title-round of a continental tournament," Colaco told The Goan on Thursday.
"The Indian footballers played a key role in Bengaluru FC's wins in most of the AFC Cup matches. Sunil Chhetri was exceptional. He is a highly skilful player and can outwit any defence. He is too good," Colaco said
Colaco reminded that when he was incharge of Dempo Sports Club the team had reached the semi-finals of the 2008 AFC Cup, but lost to Lebanese club Al Safa. Speaking at the steeler's achievement, Colaco heaped praised on the Bengaluru team. “ It is a fantastic feat for Indian soccer. Bengaluru FC have been doing a great job in the domestic arena - two titles in I-League and a runners-up trophy as well,” said Colaco
“Sunil Chhetri was with me in Dempo,” he said, and described Chhetri as a talented performer and the one who could surpass Bhutia. Colaco also agreed on the impact of the 32-year-old striker. "Sunil has been firing on all cylinders. He's having a superb impact, doing great things for the side. Of course, he has been crucial for Bengaluru," felt Colaco.
