Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: JSW Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca has backed goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte to rise to the occasion ahead of Saturday’s AFC Cup 2016 final with the 23-year-old custodian stepping up to replace suspended number one Amrinder Singh in goal against Iraq’s Air Force Club in the competition’s climax.
Often more commonly known as Mawia, Ralte is set to make his fourth start in this year’s continental tournament having appeared three times during the group stages in place of Singh.
Although this would be his first action in the 2016 knockout stages, Ralte was first choice in Bengaluru’s 2015 AFC Cup campaign and was between the posts for their Round of 16 elimination at the hands of Hong Kong’s South China last year.
“We have to trust in Mawia, who is a very good goalkeeper as well,” said Spaniard Roca (pictured), who took charge of Bengaluru in July after the departure of English coach Ashley Westwood.
“All the players in my team know they have good qualities and I am sure they will help us win the title.
“Our style of preparation is always in tactical aspects and, tactically, the team is ready for this game.”
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