Preview: Mohun Bagan take on Machhindra FC in high-stake AFC Cup clash

The stakes are high ahead of the one-off qualifier fixture.

Mohun Bagan and Machhindra FC are set to face off in the 2023 AFC Cup Qualifiers Preliminary Round fixture on 16 August 2023. It will be an exciting challenge for the 2022-23 Indian Super League winners as they take the field to get one step closer to the main draw of the continental showpiece. 

However, the recent form of the Mariners is giving their fans some cause for concern. Losing a key fixture recently in the 2023 Durand Cup against arch-rivals East Bengal in the Kolkata derby was a shock. Nepal’s Machhindra FC would have been observing that game closely and will try to replicate what the Red & Gold Brigade did to thwart MBSG.

Here is the preview of an exciting clash between Mohun Bagan vs Machhindra FC in the 2023 AFC Cup qualifier:

The Stakes

Mohun Bagan are the favourite team on paper considering their squad strength. The club boasts one of the strongest Indian players on the roster and has an impressive foreign line-up as well. It falls on Juan Ferrando to get them to combine and dispose of Machhindra FC who will be looking to cause an upset.

Machhindra FC of Nepal are the underdogs heading into the AFC Cup Qualifiers Preliminary Round fixture. Playing in Kolkata, the backyard of the Mariners, will make the task of winning the game even tougher for the side. However, as the pressure is going to be on the hosts to perform, Machhindra FC could play freely and spring up a surprise.

Team News

Both clubs have a near full-strength squad at their disposal. 

Head-to-Head

This is going to be the first meeting between India’s Mohun Bagan and Nepal’s Machhindra FC.

Predicted Line-ups

Mohun Bagan (4-2-3-1):

Vishal Kaith (GK), Asish Rai, Anwar Ali, Brendan Hamill, Subhasish Bose, Anirudh Thapa, Glan Martins, Hugo Boumous, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Jason Cummings.

Machhindra FC (4-1-2-3):

Bishal Shrestha (GK), Devendra Tamang, Kareem Nurain, Tshring Gurung, Sanish Shrestha, Andres Nia, Arik Bista, Utsav Rai, Ayush Ghalan, Bimal Magar, Afeez Oladipo.

Player to Watch

Liston Colaco (Mohun Bagan)

Liston Colaco is always hungry to score goals and has the skillset to find them. The pacy winger will be an obvious threat for Machhindra FC and a pain for their defence. He will attempt to use his pace and dribbling skills to cause mayhem down the flanks. 

Furthermore, Colaco is a brilliant striker of the ball and hits long-range shots with a brilliant knuckleball technique. Machhindra FC defenders and holding midfielders must not allow time and space to Colaco who can and will hurt any opposition if given the chance.

Afeez Oladipo (Machhindra FC)

Machhindra FC will rely on their striker up front, Afeez Oladipo, to find the back of the net for the team. Expectations are that the Mariners will dominate more of the possession which will translate into a lack of service for the striker. However, the 28-year-old Nigerian would aim to continue his goal-scoring touch and be efficient in the upcoming match.

He scored in the 3-2 win over Paro FC which helped Machhindra FC set up a clash with Mohun Bagan. Players like Anwar Ali and Brendan Hamill would like to stay close to Oladipo and deny him space and time to take attempts at goal or to receive the ball in dangerous areas. 

Did You Know?

• Mohun Bagan’s Asish Rai and Liston Colaco were teammates at Hyderabad FC as well.
• Jason Cummings has made three caps for the Australian national team and also featured in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
• Bimal Magar of Machhindra FC has nine goals in 40 caps for the Nepal national team.

Telecast

The kick-off for the match between Mohun Bagan SG vs Machhindra FC will take place at 7 PM on 16 August 2023. The match will be telecasted on InSports TV.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.