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AFC Cup: 3 members of Bengaluru FC contingent test positive for COVID-19

The preliminary stage two fixture of the AFC Cup will be held next week

bengaluru-fc-kbfc-isl Bengaluru FC's Sunil Chhetri | ISL official website

In a blow to Bengaluru FC’s AFC Cup campaign, three members of their contingent, including players and staff, tested positive for COVID-19, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The club further said that it is taking all necessary precautions.

“UPDATE: Latest COVID-19 tests within the Blues’ camp in Goa have shown three positive cases among players and staff. Bengaluru FC continues to take all the necessary precautions at the highest levels to stay safe, secure, and healthy,” Bengaluru FC said in a statement.

Last month, captain Sunil Chhetri had tested positive for the coronavirus and was not able to participate in a training camp. The result also ruled him out of the international friendlies against Oman and the UAE. He has since recovered from the infection.

Chhetri had captained Bengaluru FC to a runners-up finish in the 2016 AFC Cup, losing to the Air Force Club of Iraq in the final.

Bengaluru FC have begun preparations for the AFC Cup at the Bengaluru Football Stadium with head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli taking charge of his first session as the team regrouped after a short break following Indian Super League (ISL), which Mumbai City FC won for the first time after defeating former champions ATK Mohun Bagan.

Bengaluru finished seventh in the points table after the league stage.

Pezzaiuoli was appointed as Bengaluru FC head coach last month on a three-year performance-based contract.

“My first training session with the team was very good and intense. It’s a different style of training and I thought the team would enjoy it and they did. From the first moment they gave one hundred per cent and that’s what I expect from them,” the 52-year-old was quoted as saying by the club’s website.

The side’s AFC Cup preliminary stage two fixture is scheduled to be held on April 14, at the GMC Bambolim Stadium in Goa.

(With inputs from agencies)

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