Bengaluru FC in action in the 2016 AFC Cup. (Photo courtesy: Bengaluru FC)
I-League champions JSW Bengaluru FC will be up against Tampines Rovers FC in the quarterfinals of the 2016 AFC Cup, the draws of which took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday. The first of the two-legged tie will take place at the Kanteerava Stadium on the 14th of September, before the Blues travel to the Singapore National Stadium for the return leg on September 21st.
Bengaluru put a slow start behind them to finish Group H in second place behind defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim. The Blues went one better on their Round-of-16 show in the previous edition, becoming the only Indian side left in the tournament with a 3-2 win over Kitchee SC at the Mong Kok Stadium, in Hong Kong, to enter the quarterfinals for the first time in the club’s short history.
“We’ve done well to reach this stage of the AFC Cup and are looking to go one better when we face Tampines Rovers in the quarterfinals. Every team has reached the last eight by playing well and we’re looking to put on a good performance in front of our fans, who I’m sure will be vocal as always,” said club captain Sunil Chhetri.
South China AA will take on holders Johor Darul Ta’zim in the other East Zone quarterfinal while Air Force Club face Al Jaish and Al Ahed FC go up against Al Muharraq in the West Zone quarterfinals.
AFC Cup Quarterfinal Fixtures:
| – | Team | Team | First leg | Second Leg |
| QF 1 | Air Force Club | Al Jaish | September 13, 2016 | September 20, 2016 |
| QF 2 | Al Ahed FC | Al Muharraq | September 14, 2016 | September 21, 2016 |
| QF 3 | South China AA | Johor Darul Ta’zim | September 13, 2016 | September 20, 2016 |
| QF 4 | JSW Bengaluru FC | Tampines Rovers FC | September 14, 2016 | September 21, 2016 |
(Report & Photo courtesy Bengaluru FC Press Release)