Three key battles to watch out for in ATK Mohun Bagan vs Kuala Lumpur City clash

The winning team will play the Inter-Zonal final.

ATK Mohun Bagan are all set to host Malaysian giants Kuala Lumpur City FC in the AFC Cup 2022 Inter-Zonal semi-final playoffs on Wednesday. The Green and Maroons will have ride the hopes of Indian football on their shoulders. They will want to keep the wind in their sails, fresh on the back of a derby victory. Juan Ferrando’s men will also want to preserve their splendid record in the AFC Cup group stage.

Despite not having a similar run in the ongoing Durand Cup, the club's primary concern will be Kuala Lumpur City’s preparedness. While ATK Mohun Bagan have played only four games so far, the City Boys have already passed the 15-game mark this season. 

Kuala Lumpur City are packed with quality, seasoned internationals and have a lot of continental experience on their side. In the last edition, they drubbed PSM Makassar 5-2 in the Zonal Final (ASEAN). Additionally, they haven’t lost a single game in this year’s group stage. So, let's take a look at the three key battles that ATK Mohun Bagan can look at to turn the tide in their favour.

3.  Asish Rai Vs Paulo Josue

The newly-signed electric right-back will have a tough test ahead of him as he goes up against Paulo Josue. Kuala Lumpur City’s quick-footed Brazilian midfielder has an eye for goal as much as he loves setting up his teammates. Pretty much the star player, Josue has a bag full of skills. He scored four times in as many appearances in the AFC Cup, proving his credentials.

Asish Rai’s high-flying habit will have to be curbed if he intends to keep tabs on Josue. Though his strength lies in the offensive parts of the pitch, he is also defensively solid. Rai is, however, new at the continental level and must not let his emotions get the better of him. Additionally, he should avoid committing to the ground and jockey the Brazilian for more cover. If he is to join the attack, he must wait for the right moments.

2. Joni Kauko Vs Romel Morales 

ATK Mohun Bagan’s rag-tag Finnish midfield powerhouse will go up against Kuala Lumpur City’s silky Romel Morales. Kauko has a few traits similar to Morales, but the Colombian is sneakier when it comes to breaking the lines with his passes. Kauko must keep up his physical game and play a direct kind of football that comes naturally to him. 

Romel Morales is similar to the Finnish medio as he makes late runs into the box and often pops up to score goals. Though the central midfielder scored only once last time out, he will have to be continuously harrowed to be kept quiet. Kauko must actively press him and rally his teammates well in the center of the pitch.  

Juan Ferrando must supplement Kauko’s pressing by instructing other players to join in. Kauko must also try to win 50-50 duels and block passing lanes. It’s important to note that conceding possession to the Colombian would be as foolish as letting him run into an empty net. 

1. Liston Colaco Vs Giancarlo Gallifuoco 

The juiciest battle of the lot would be up-front for ATK Mohun Bagan as Liston Colaco faces veteran Giancarlo Gallifuoco. Liston must be careful with his decision-making as Gallifuoco is the rock of this side. He should avoid losing the ball doing unnecessary tricks and take unusual routes to surprise the Australian international. 

We saw the same being done by Ashique Kuruniyan against Charalambos Kyriakou and Colaco must follow suit. While he should be brave, the wiser option would be to make dummy runs and open space for the likes of Kiyan Nassiri and Manvir Singh. Doing that will not only isolate Gallifuoco from the heart of defence, but also allow ATKMB a direct route to goal. 

Liston should also look to draw fouls but be careful not to get injured in the process. His presence is key for this side and as explained earlier, he has to be smarter than normal against this adversary. His habit of shooting from distance will also be used as an asset to keep Gallifuoco guessing about his final touch.