We'll look to play with resolute defence and go for win: Machhindra FC boss Kishor Kumar KC

Machhindra FC defeated Bhutan side Paro FC to qualify for this round.

Machhindra FC are in Kolkata for the AFC Cup preliminary round two fixture against Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The Mariners will host the White Lions at the Salt Lake Stadium on August 16. The winner of this one-off fixture will go on to play a playoff round to determine who goes through to the AFC Cup group stages.

Machhindra FC defeated Bhutanese champions Paro FC 3-2 in Kathmandu last week to set this fixture up against the Indian Super League champions.

Machhindra’s aim to win

Machhindra FC qualified for the AFC Cup preliminary round despite finishing second in the A Division League, Nepal’s top-tier. After the winners Church Boys United’s failure to obtain AFC Club License, Machhindra were granted the opportunity.

White Lions head coach Kishor Kumar KC and skipper Bishal Shrestha spoke to the media ahead of the fixture in Kolkata.

Head coach KC stated that his team is ready and will fight for the win. “We have come here well prepared and we are here for a win,” said KC. “We will try to have a strong defensive line and create a few chances of scoring to look for a win.”

Skipper Shrestha also echoed his coach’s words. He said, “Mohun Bagan are a very good side and as the coach said, we will have a strong defense line and we will fight hard to win.”

Tough away fixture

After the completion of the league season, Machhindra FC have roped in a few Nepal internationals for the qualifiers. A total of four foreigners and 10 Nepal internationals are in contention for selection. Head coach KC also mentioned that there are no injuries within the squad.

Talking about the opposition, Kishor Kumar KC stated that the Kolkata-based side have a good attacking line-up. “The attackers of Mohun Bagan are very good”, stated KC. “They play in what looks like a 4-2-3-1 formation. We will look to play with a resolute defence and go for a win.”

Shrestha added that it will be a tough encounter for his side playing away from home. “It’s always difficult to play away matches so it will definitely be difficult for us but we are going to play a very good game and will work very hard.”

Picture Credit: Subham Mondal (RaySportz)

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