#1 Bengaluru FC (2016) – Finals*
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Here we are. Bengaluru FC stand on the precipice of making history as the only Indian club to have ever won the AFC Cup, but can already take credit for going where no Indian club has gone before. The Blues’ only previous appearance in the AFC Cup in 2016 ended with them going out at the Round of 16 stage to Hong Kong-based club, South China.
BFC qualified for the AFC Cup as Federation Cup champions in 2014/15, and were drawn in a tough group featuring Johor Darul Ta'zim, Ayeyawady United and Lao Toyota FC, with the Blues squeaking through with 3 wins and 3 losses to finish as runners-up with 9 points. Sunil Chhetri then inspired BFC to a 3-2 win away to Kitchee to ensure the Blues made the quarterfinals.
A CK Vineeth goal in the 7th minute of the first leg was all it took for BFC to win their quarterfinal, as superb defending against Tampines Rovers ensured that BFC would face their nemesis from the group stages, Johor DT in the semifinals. The defending champions of the AFC Cup took the lead at home in the first leg, only for an Eugeneson Lyngdoh scorcher to give BFC a precious away goal and earn the draw.
The Blues showed their mettle after going a goal down in the second leg in Bengaluru, with Sunil Chhetri netting a brace, including a wondergoal to give BFC the lead, with Juanan confirming the 3-1 win late on, thus creating history as Bengaluru confirmed their place in the finals against Iraqi side Al Quwa Al-Jawiya.
