AFC Asia Cup was incredible experience, says Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Indian players and football fans alike were left heartbroken after failing to make the knockout stage of this year’s AFC Asia Cup despite coming so close. Sunil Chhetri & Co. conceded a last gasp penalty against Bahrain which they comfortably converted and knocked out India out of the Asian showpiece. Indian goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, admitted that the Asian Cup disappointment was a bitter pill to swallow, but added that he has moved on and is hoping to win this year’s Indian Super League with Bengaluru FC.

"The Asian Cup was an incredible experience, winning our first game in 55 years and making it a close fight in the next two. It was disappointing to bow out but we gave our best. I have moved on from that and looking forward for the next challenge," Gurpreet told PTI.

The Carles Cuadrat-led Bengaluru FC have booked a spot in the final of the 2018-19 ISL season against Sergio Lobera’s free-scoring FC Goa side. This will be Sandhu’s second consecutive ISL final after his team lost to Chennaiyin FC in last season’s finale.

"Last year's final is history now, we have learnt from that and have become a better team. Reaching the final again is an achievement in itself but we will give our best to win it. We would just like to play the way we have played throughout the year and do not make a lot of mistakes, if we do so rest will take care of itself," the custodian added.

Sandhu, who is the first Indian to play a competitive match for the first team of a top-division European club, felt the popularity of football in India is gradually increasing.

"It's great to see that the game is gaining popularity and not only us but the whole sporting culture is being motivated. It is nice to see, we are on the right track," Sandhu added.

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