Four Indian Club's who impressed in AFC competitions

Indian football clubs have performed significantly well in the AFC competitions.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Odisha FC gave a decent account of themselves at the continental stage in their AFC Cup campaign. The Juggernauts were one of India’s two representatives in the group stages of the AFC Cup alongside ISL Champions Mohun Bagan.

Sergio Lobera’s side emerged victorious as they won Group D. They completed the double of Maldivian side Maziya while getting statement wins against Bashundhara Kings and Mohun Bagan to qualify for the inter-zone playoffs semi-final.

They were clubbed alongside A-league outfit Central Coast Mariners, but couldn’t get through to the next round. They lost the opening fixture before a 0-0 draw at home to wrap up their first-ever AFC Cup campaign.

On that note, let us take a look at notable performances from Indian clubs on the continental stage.

4. Mumbai City FC’s performance in the AFC Champions League

The Islanders scripted history by showcasing India’s best-ever performance at the AFC Champions League as they finished second in Group B at the 2022 AFC Champions League (ACL). Mumbai City FC managed to accumulate seven points in their debut ACL campaign.

They pulled off a double against Iraq’s Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya while managing a 0-0 draw against UAE-based Al-Jazira. Diego Mauricio scored a couple of goals while Rahul Bheke became the first Indian to score in the ACL.

3. Dempo SC – Semi-final (2008)

Dempo SC made it to the headlines by becoming the first side from the sub-continent to make it to the semi-finals of the AFC Cup. Their victory in the National Football League during the 2006–07 season earned them a spot in the competition. The Goan club advanced to the quarterfinals after finishing second in the group round and winning 5-4 against Singapore’s Home United in a two-legged fixture. However, their dream was brought to an end by Lebanese outfit Safa with an aggregate of 1-5 in the semi-final.

2. East Bengal – Semi-final (2013)

The Red and Golds became the second Indian outfit to feature in the semi-final of the prestigious AFC Cup. Their magical run to the final four of the continental championship in 2013 will surely go down in the history books. They gained a spot in the AFC Cup after winning the 2012 Federation Cup.

The Torchbearers emerged as the winner of Group H before defeating Myanmar’s Yangon United in the RO16. They edged past Indonesia’s Semen Padang in the quarterfinal but fell short against eventual champions Al-Kuwait SC in the semi-final.

1. Bengaluru FC – Final (2016)

Bengaluru FC’s magical run to the final of the 2016 AFC Cup remains India’s best-ever performance at the continental stage to date. The Blues were operating at a different level and were not scared to take on anyone. Albert Roca’s side earned a spot in the AFC after their Federation Cup triumph in the 2014-15 season.

They qualified for the knockouts as one of the best second-placed teams in the group stages. The Blues got the better of Hong Kong’s Kitchee Sports Club in the round of 16 before a quarter-final win over Singapore’s Tampines Rovers. They beat Malaysian outfit Johor Darul in the semi-final but lost 1-0 against Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the ultimate game.

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