'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What’s the story?
Ahead of the second semi-final match of the inaugural season of the Indian Super Cup between Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan, BFC coach Albert Roca has confirmed that defender Rahul Bheke has been ruled out.
In case you didn’t know…
Before donning the Blue for Bengaluru FC, Bheke used to play for East Bengal where he made 25 appearances during his stint. During the 2014-15 Indian Super League season, he was loaned out to the Kerala Blasters, after an unsuccessful ISL draft pick. He made his debut for the Blasters against North East United FC where his team pulled off a 3-1 victory.
The heart of the matter
During the pre-match press conference, Roca confirmed the news about Bheke. He said, "Bheke is not available for tomorrow. If we are to make it through to the final, he may be able to play. It's a shame because he was doing really well.
“We have others who can step in, with (Harmanjot) Khabra and Nishu (Kumar). It's a position that we are quite strong in. It's not about one player or position. We have a good squad and I'm happy with it.” he added.
What’s next?
While Bheke’s absence is a loss for the team, players like Zohmingliana Ralte, Nishu Kumar and Harmanjot Khabra can step up to take charge on the defences for Bengaluru FC. Both these sides have missed out on relishing silverware glory in their respective leagues.
The semi-final clash between the two is bound to be a much-heated one affair, as each of the competitors will be looking to reserve a spot in the finals and get their hands on the glorious prize.
Author’s take
With Rahul's position being up for grabs, this will be a great opportunity for the youngsters of the squad to get their hands on some game time, and make the team selection task challenging for their boss, Albert Roca.
