Mohun Bagan Super Giant is set to kick off its Asian campaign, facing Turkmenistan’s Ahal FK in the inaugural Group C match of the AFC Champions League 2. The exciting clash will take place at their home ground, the Salt Lake Stadium, on Tuesday.
Amidst the current uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League schedule, this continental competition offers a welcome opportunity for the ISL double-crown champions. This marks Mohun Bagan’s second consecutive year participating in the group stage of Asia’s second-tier club tournament, following their successful defense of the League Shield earlier this year.
While many top Indian league clubs are in a state of limbo due to the unsettled ISL future, Mohun Bagan has channeled all its focus into showcasing its prowess on the continental stage.
The team has been busy during the pre-season transfers in August, bringing in several fresh faces to strengthen their squad. The Kolkata giants now boast a formidable lineup, including six international players and enhanced domestic talent with additions like Mehtab Singh and Abhishek Singh, making them look well-prepared for the upcoming challenge.
Ahal FK, a former champion of Turkmenistan’s top-tier Yokary League, represents the first significant hurdle in the group stage. The competition will feature a double-leg round-robin format, promising intense matchups.
Mohun Bagan will also go head-to-head with Sepahan SC from Iran and Al-Hussein SC from Jordan as they navigate their league stage commitments, which are scheduled to run until the final week of December.