New Radiant SC will take on Bengaluru FC of India in a fourth round 2018 AFC Cup Group E fixture at the Galholhu National Stadium in Male' today knowing very well that they cannot afford anything other than a win if they are to progress in the tournament. Having lost the reverse fixture played in Bengaluru two weeks ago to a late goal, revenge in front of the home supporters is whats needed for the blues to turn the table around.

Bengaluru FC leads Group E points table with 9 points from 3 matches, with a 100 percent win record while New Radiant is in second place with 6 points from the 3 matches played so far. New Radiant SC loss only coming against Bengaluru FC.

Since their match in Bengaluru, New radiant have also lost to arch rivals Victory SC in STO Male’ league. Victory SC is the first Maldivian team to beat New Radiant SC this season. While New Radiant Coach Oscar Bruzon can blame as much as Kiss and Victory players for delaying and other tactics used in the match, reality is New Radiant came short against a organized and tactical Victory and their game plan was found out. New Radiant's biggest issue has been goal scoring this season. While Ali Ashfaq, has been scoring for fun, his partners in crime, the likes of Ali Fasir and all has not been at their usual best. New Radiant will also be going to the crucial match without their Spanish Defender Jorge Gotor, which is a big gap they would need to fill given the attacking strength of the Bengaluru FC lead by Sunil Chhetri.

Bengaluru has been in great form, beating East Bengal to lift the Indian Super Cup last week, and is yet to lose a match in the Natioanl Stadium of Maldives. Any result other than  loss is good enough for the Bengaluru team led by Indian National team striker Sunil Chhetri.

Even though it’s a match between New Radiant and Bengaluru, the whole Indian Sub Continent  would be eyeing that match as a curtain raiser for the SAF Cup scheduled to be held later this year, with the football rivalry between India and Maldives to best tested again in the group stage of the tournament.

BoalhaMV prediction: 2-1 win to New Radiant

Photo Credits: ImagesMV (Insha Ahmed)