AFC Champions League Two group stage draw: Know potential opponents for FC Goa & Mohun Bagan

India will have two clubs in the ACL 2 group stage for the first time.

Wednesday, August 13, was a day of unprecedented joy for Indian Football fans. FC Goa scripted history as they defeated Al Seeb in the AFC Champions League Two preliminary round.

This victory marked a historic milestone as FC Goa ensured India would have two clubs in the group stage of the tournament for the first time. Mohun Bagan Super Giant made their entry into the group stage earlier this year by winning the Indian Super League Shield.

Take a look at the teams that have qualified for the AFC Champions League 2. Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa will represent India at the continental stage! The draw is scheduled for tomorrow at 12.30 PM IST!#IndianFootball #AFC pic.twitter.com/UnVZhvYkX9

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 14, 2025

The ACL 2 campaign this year will be particularly crucial for India, as last year the Indian clubs had to face setbacks. Mohun Bagan had to go out of the tournament as they could not travel to Iran to play Tractor Club due to security reasons.

This meant the only Indian club in the tournament was knocked out before it could complete the group stage. Earlier last year, East Bengal failed to qualify for the group stage, losing to Altyn Asyr from Turkmenistan in the preliminary round.

Also Read: FC Goa vs Al Seeb: Impressive new signings, tactical adaptability, injury concerns, and other talking points

Potential opponents for Mohun Bagan and FC Goa in AFC Champions League Two

The AFC Champions League Two campaign will be a tricky assignment for the Indian clubs. They will be facing some of the best clubs in Asia. Belonging to the West Asian region, Indian clubs will have to clash against physically sturdy West Asian clubs, who have strengthened in the last few years with heavy investments being pumped in.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant have been placed in Pot 3 alongside Bahrain’s Al Muharraq, Istiklol from Tajikistan, and the defending AFC Challenge League champions FC Arkadag. Whereas, FC Goa have found a spot in Pot 4. The Gaurs have the company of Jordan’s Al Wehdat, former Bahraini champions Al Khaldiya, and Ahal FC from Turkmenistan.

The Mariners and the Gaurs can’t clash in the group stage, as two clubs from the same federation can’t play against each other in the group stage due to the AFC’s ‘country protection’ rule. However, they can be drawn against any of the remaining sides.

From Pot 1, Indian clubs can be pitted against former ACL Elite runners-up from Iran, Sepahan. Alongside Sepahan, the Kolkata club can also have Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in their group. Pot A also has Al Wassl and Al Ahli from the UAE and Qatar, respectively.

Potential opponents for Mohun Bagan and FC Goa from Pot 2 include Iranian giants Esteghlal, who have won the AFC Champions League in the past. PFC Andijan, from Uzbekistan, and Jordan’s Al Hussein are also in Pot 2. FC Goa can only face three teams from Pot 3, as Mohun Bagan are also in that pot. Mohun Bagan ride the same boat as they can also play only three teams from Pot 4 because of FC Goa’s presence in that pot.

AFC Champions League Two group stage draw pots:

West Asia

• Pot 1: Sepahan, Al Nassr, Al Wassl, and Al Ahli
• Pot 2: Esteghlal, Andijon, Al Zawraa, and Al Hussein
• Pot 3: Al Muharraq, Mohun Bagan, Istiklol, and Arkadag
• Pot 4: Al Wehdat, Al Khaldiya, FC Goa, and Ahal

East Asia

• Pot 1: Bangkok United, Gamba Osaka, Pohang Steelers, and Beijing Guoan
• Pot 2: BG Pathum United, Macarthur FC, Selangor, and Nam Dinh
• Pot 3: Tai Po, Lion City Sailors, Kaya-Iloilo, and Ratchaburi FC
• Pot 4: Cong An Ha Noi, Eastern Sports Club, Tampines Rovers, Persib Bandung

When and where to watch AFC Champions League Two group stage draw?

With two Indian clubs, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa, in the fray, the Indian fans would be waiting to watch the AFC Champions League Two group stage draw desperately. The group stage draw for the AFC Champions League Two will start at 12:30 PM IST. Fans can watch the draw on the AFC Hub YouTube channel.