AFC Cup 2023: Mohun Bagan, Dhaka Abahani eye Group Stage berth

The winner will secure a place in the main draw of the continental competition.

Mohun Bagan SG and Dhaka Abahani will compete for a place in the 2023 AFC Cup group stages after navigating through the qualifying fixtures. The Mariners set up the clash with the Bangladeshi outfit after defeating Nepal’s Machhindra FC thanks to a 3-1 scoreline on 16 August 2023. 

The upcoming match will be a replay from last year when MBSG, formerly known as ATK Mohun Bagan, met Dhaka Abahani and got the better of them in a hotly contested affair. Therefore, the Sky Blue Brigade will seek revenge and dump the Indian Super League 2022-23 winners out of contention. 

Here is what to look for as both the Indian and Bangladeshi outfit gear up to face each other for a place in the 2023 AFC Cup group stage:

The Stakes

Mohun Bagan SG is aiming to secure a 2023 AFC Cup group-stage qualification after beating Machhindra FC in the previous qualifying round. The outfit has an incredible selection of Indian and foreign players. The fans have high demands from the Mariners and playing on the Asian stage is one of the ambitions of the club. Therefore, the upcoming game becomes a must-win contest for the team.

Dhaka Abahani beat Club Eagles of the Maldives to set up the mouth-watering clash with Juan Ferrando’s men. Their last qualification into the AFC Cup took place in 2019 and the club is hungry to get back onto the continental stage. Despite being the underdogs, the Sky Blue Brigade will be a tough nut to crack for MBSG.

Team News

There are no major injury concerns for both clubs. 

Probable Lineups

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

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

Dhaka Abahani (4-2-3-1)

Mahfuz Hasan (GK), Rahmat Mia, Ridoy, Ezekiel, Muzaffarjon, Foysal Ahmed, Ojukwu, Chukwudiebube, Masur Rana, Danilo Agusto, Soleimani. 

Head to Head

Total Matches Played – 3

Mohun Bagan SG wins – 2

Draws – 1

Dhaka Abahani wins – 0

Player to Watch

Anwar Ali (Mohun Bagan SG)

Anwar Ali was in scintillating form against Machhindra FC in the previous round. He scored a brace with two towering headers. His defensive performance was also solid and ball distribution was impressive. 

The centre-back is in a rich vein of form and Dhaka Abahani must be wary of the threat he brings in set-piece situations. They also need to press him with intent as Ali can penetrate defences with precise through balls for his teammates from a deeper position on the pitch. 

Cornelius Stewart (Dhaka Abahani)

Cornelius Stewart scored in the 2-1 win against Club Eagles to help them secure a place in the next round of qualifiers. The experienced striker is a deadly finisher with both his feet and head. He will be the biggest threat to MBSG’s defence in the upcoming contest.

The defensive pairing of Hamill and Ali must be vigilant of Ezekiel due to his movement inside the box. He loves getting on the receiving end of crosses. He scored with a fabulous header against Club Eagles too. 

Did You Know?

• David Williams hit a hat trick when these two teams met last time.
• Mario Lemos became Dhaka Abahani’s coach in December 2018.
• Dhaka Abahani has won the Bangladesh Premier League a total of six times.

Telecast

The kick-off for the match between Mohun Bagan SG vs Dhaka Abahani will take place at 7 PM on 22 August 2023. The match will be telecasted on InSports TV.

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