Indian football club Mohun Bagan ACL ambitions halted by drawn debut

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-09-15 16:34:41 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-21 21:47:26

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Mohun Bagan AC kick-started their 2023 AFC Cup campaign with a tame goalless draw against Turkmenistan's Ahal FK. The Kolkata giants, domestic giants with a passionate fanbase, are India's representatives in the prestigious AFC Cup, Asia's secondary club football tournament. This is the first time that the 130-year-old club is taking part in the AFC Cup.

The first hurdle was a tame one, against a lower-ranked Central Asian side, but it is the result that matters, and Mohun Bagan will take it. They now have a good chance to top the group, with the chance to earn a berth in the AFC Cup playoffs.

It wasn't the best performance by Mohun Bagan, but the boys weathered the Turkmen storm, mostly clinging on in the hope of snatching a goal on the break. The Kolkata outfit has stacked its arsenal with six foreigners and has also bolstered its resplendent domestic register with the addition of names like Mehtab Singh and Abhishek Singh. The squad is a good mix of experience and youth.

The second group stage match, away to Iranian side Tractor FC, will be a tougher test for Mohun Bagan. But, if they can weather this one too, they will set themselves up for a bright group stage campaign.

All eyes are on them as India's representative in the AFC Cup; let's see what they have against some tough continental competition.

The Iranian side is not to be underestimated, but Mohun Bagan has everything it takes to emerge from the group. We can't wait to see what the Indians can produce!

Go!