Mohun Bagan vs Machhindra FC: Three key battles to decide outcome

The match between Mohun Bagan and Machhindra FC will take place in Kolkata.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant are set to compete against Machhindra FC in their AFC Cup 2023 Qualifiers Preliminary Round fixture on 16 August 2023. The 2022-23 Indian Super League winners are aiming to advance towards the main draw of the continental showpiece and the Nepal-based club is standing in their way.

Machhindra FC beat Paro FC of Bhutan in the Preliminary Round 1 fixture to set up a clash with ISL’s Mohun Bagan. Juan Ferrando has a lot of impressive players at his disposal, including newcomers like Jason Cummings, Anwar Ali, Sahal Abdul Samad and more. It is likely that the tactician will go with a full-strength squad against Nepal’s powerhouse of a club which features impressive players as well.

As the crucial fixture creeps closer, here is a look at the three key battles that may decide the outcome:

3. Liston Colaco vs Bishal Shrestha

Liston Colaco is a man in form for Mohun Bagan. The winger loves to make forward runs, take on defenders and shoot from range. He is a dangerous operator who constantly tries to score or create chances, thanks to his pace and dribbling skills.

He scored against Bangladesh Army and assisted against Punjab FC in the opening two matches of the 2023 Durand Cup, respectively. It will be an interesting battle between Liston Colaco and Machhindra FC’s goalkeeper Bishal Shrestha. The skipper of the Nepal-based club will hope to save any long-range efforts from Colaco and also organise his defence in a way that limits MBSG’s attacking winger.

2. Hugo Boumous vs Arik Bista

Hugo Boumous was flawless against Punjab FC and also got a goal for his efforts in the second group fixture of the 2023 Durand Cup. Playing as a No.10, the midfielder made several key passes and fed the ball out to the wingers in dangerous positions.

It will fall on Arik Bista of Machhindra FC to contain the threat of Hugo Boumous. The defensive midfielder is a key figure in the squad and an industrious player who covers every blade of the grass. This midfield battle is going to be one to watch out for.

1. Anwar Ali vs  Afeez Oladipo

Anwar Ali is one of the most reliable Indian centre-backs out there. After impressive performances for the Indian national team, the former FC Goa player is delivering excellent displays for the Mariners. Juan Ferrando admires the defender due to his precise passing and ability to stay composed in pressure situations. The 22-year-old is crucial for the Mariners as the club aims to proceed further in continental football and domestic competitions. 

His partnership with Brendan Hamill is already looking solid. However, Ali’s task of stopping Afeez Oladipo from scoring is not going to be straightforward. The Nigerian is a good striker of the ball and has scored against Paro FC as well. It will require a lot of cleverness and focus on Anwar Ali’s part to stop him from scoring.

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