Mohun Bagan SG Set to Face Ahal FK in AFC Champions League 2

Kolkata, Sep 15 (PTI) India’s esteemed football club, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, are poised to reinforce their continental aspirations as they face off against Turkmenistan’s Ahal FK in their inaugural AFC Champions League 2 match at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday.

The Kolkata heavyweights, having earned direct entry into Asia’s secondary competition by clinching the ISL Shield last season, are partaking in the event for the second consecutive year, with ambitions of advancing further this time around.

Last season, Mohun Bagan SG withdrew from the 2024-25 season of the AFC Champions League 2 after opting not to travel to Iran for their October 2 clash with Tractor SC, citing safety concerns.

The AFC subsequently announced that all results related to Mohun Bagan in Group A were “nullified” and would not contribute to the final standings.

Currently, the iconic club enters this international contest following a varied performance in domestic competitions.

Their Durand Cup 2025 journey concluded in the quarter-finals with a 1-2 loss to long-time rivals East Bengal, despite a late strike from Anirudh Thapa.

Nevertheless, they successfully retained their ISL Shield, securing a direct spot in ACL 2, finishing eight points ahead of FC Goa.

In the realm of continental football, Mohun Bagan reached the inter-zonal play-offs in 2021 and 2022, though they faced a group-stage exit in the 2023-24 competition and are keen to make a solid impact in Asia.

There have been questions regarding their goal-scoring prowess following their Durand Cup quarter-final defeat to East Bengal.

However, reinforcements in Brazilian forward Robson Robinho and defender Mehtab Singh have strengthened an already star-studded lineup.

The return of players like full-back T Abhishek Singh and winger Kiyan Nassiri adds further depth, leaving the team eager to prove their mettle beyond domestic accolades.

Ahal FK, by contrast, may be perceived as the lightest challenge in a Group C that also includes Jordan’s Al Hussein SC and Iran’s formidable Sepahan.

The Turkmen club, champions in 2022 and regular contenders in continental football, have demonstrated substantial grit to reach this stage.

Ahal FK reached the group stage via the playoffs, defeating Tajikistan’s Regar-TadAZ Tursunzoda 2-1, and presently hold second place in their domestic league.

Renowned for their discipline and direct play, they present a potentially tricky challenge for the Mariners in the Group C opener.

Ahal’s vigor is anchored in their discipline and counter-attacking prowess, spearheaded by national team players such as winger Elman Tagayev and adaptable right-back Hakmuhammet Bashimov.

An impressive performance against Asian titans like Al Ain and Pakhtakor in the previous Champions League season underscores their capacity to challenge larger clubs.

For Mohun Bagan, this home fixture offers the perfect opportunity to set the tone, and it will be intriguing to see whether the Jose Molina-coached squad can rediscover their rhythm.

The other Group C match will witness Jordan's Al-Hussein SC hosting Iranian powerhouse Sepahan S.C., also on Tuesday.

Kickoff: 7:15 PM IST.

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