Bengaluru: Collin Abranches has admitted it was “like a dream” to make his debut for JSW Bengaluru in the first leg of the 2017 AFC Cup Inter-Zone Final against Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol three weeks ago.
After watching on from the Sree Kanteerava Stadium stands during the club’s run to the final last year, Abranches joined the two-time Indian champions from another Bengaluru side, Ozone FC, in July.
The defender was an unused substitute in both games against DPR Korea’s 4.25 SC in the previous round but was given the nod by coach Albert Roca in Dushanbe, where a narrow 1-0 defeat leaves The Blues looking for a two-goal winning margin in the second leg on Wednesday in order to progress to a second successive final.
“It was a very big surprise because I had never been in the starting 11 and it was a big game,” admitted Abranches.
“I did pretty well but I wasn’t too happy to concede the goal from my side and I thought I could have done a little better, but I’ll keep putting in the hard work.
“[In last year’s AFC Cup] it was good because I was sitting in the stands watching the games. The atmosphere was so good and I always felt there would be a day when I reached Bengaluru, so it’s like a dream now.
“I was always a big supporter of Barcelona so I was very lucky to have Albert Roca (formerly a coach at the Spanish side) as the Bengaluru coach because his style is what I have followed and it makes it easier for me.”
Abranches was one of a number of new signings made by Roca in the off-season as the Spaniard acquired talent from both India and abroad ahead of the AFC Cup knockout rounds and the upcoming Indian Super League.
India’s number one goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh was another, while a host of Spanish players were also brought in as a new-look side started to take shape.
Bengaluru were impressive in disposing of 4.25 3-0 over two legs, but the 1-0 reversal to Istiklol has left Wednesday’s game on a knife-edge.
“We kept the ball well and they did not dominate like the North Koreans, but technically they were very good, with fast and strong players,” added Abranches.
“At Kanteerava we are pretty good all over the pitch. We just need to focus, not lose concentration, and I think we can get a good result. I am positive and I believe in the team and everyone that’s with it."
Photos: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com