Bengaluru: JSW Bengaluru FC’s Academy U18s side will face Japanese side Avispa Fukuoka’s U18s in a friendly, to be played at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on August 5, the club announced on Monday. The match, which has been approved by the Asian Football Confederation, will see the Blues’ academy side take on an international opponent for the first time.
“We’re very pleased that our Academy side will be playing Avispa Fukuoka in what’s going to be a fantastic experience for our youngsters. This is our future and it’s important that we give them as much quality exposure as possible. I hope our fans come out to back the boys,” said club COO, Mustafa Ghouse.
The match plays its part in strengthening Indo-Japan ties, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe last year. Avispa Fukuoka U18s, whose senior side takes part in the Japanese J2 League, have planned tours to India and Korea, as U18s Head Coach Yusuke Ogura says that playing against strong opposition is the aim.
“This year is a turning point in ties between Japan and India. This served as one of the main reasons why we planned this tour. This is the first time we will visit India and I’m looking forward to the game against Bengaluru FC. I have heard that they are a strong team and we will do our best against them,” Fukuoka U18s Head Coach Yusuke Ogura said.
The match is set to kick-off at 3:30 pm IST on Saturday, August 5th.
