AFC Cup 2017: Mohun Bagan set to storm the front of Colombo FC

The Kolkata club will look to carry on the good domestic form into the AFC Cup...

Indian football giants Mohun Bagan AC is all set to face Colombo FC in their first Preliminary Qualifying Play-off round in this year’s AFC Cup, in an away game on Tuesday. Hailing from Kolkata, the Indian club will look forward to return back to winning ways following their previous week draw against I-League outfit DSK Shivajians in Pune.

The Mariners, who are ranked 55th in the Asian rankings were the runners-up of the Indian top-flight I-League last season and sit in the second position in the League table this season currently.

A comparatively new team, Colombo FC appeared in the footballing world in 2008. Since the establishment, the Colombo-based team has won several trophies, including the Sri Lankan Championship Trophy and Sri Lankan FA Cup and also are the defending champions of the Dialog Champions League, Sri Lanka's top tier Football League. This will also be the debut season for Colombo FC in the Asian Football Confederations (AFC) Cup.

Team News

Colombo FC is expected to start their strongest XI against Mohun Bagan considering the fact this is their first time in the AFC Cup. The home team does not currently have any injury concerns to look upon as well as suspensions.

The visitors have had a week of preparation for their AFC Cup clash against Colombo FC. The visitors also do not have any injury concerns and no suspensions to worry about.

Head to Head

Tuesday's AFC Cup qualifying round match will be the first time both teams meet each other in a competitive tournament as this is Colombo FC’s first time in the AFC Cup since their establishment in 2008.

Man to watch

Zarwan Johar (Colombo FC)

The rising star in Sri Lankan Football, Johar plays as a striker for Colombo FC. The former Sri Lankan U19 captain was a late substitution in Colombo’s previous game which resulted in a win for the Colombo-based team. The striker is well known for his speed and finishing abilities as well as playmaking qualities in the local League. If opportunity arises, Johar is expected to be the first to response against Mohun Bagan tomorrow.

Darryl Duffy (Mohun Bagan AC)

The Scottish striker is expected to start his first-ever AFC Cup match tomorrow against Colombo FC. Despite the lack of experience in the AFC Cup, Duffy is expected to be a threat to Colombo’s defense considering the fact he is the second top scorer of the I-League. Duffy is widely regarded for his positioning sense and his pace and thus, will be a real threat to the Colombo defenders. Duffy not only brings the finishing ability but he also has exceptional aerial ability which makes him a force to reckon with against Colombo FC.

Probable line-ups:

Mohun Bagan (4-4-2)

Debjit, Kingshuk, Anas, Kingshuk, Subhasish, Kotal, Lewis, Souvik, Sehnaj, Katsumi, Duffy, Jeje.

Colombo FC (4-2-3-1)

Mohamed Nazeer Imran, Charitha Rathnayake, Siraj Mohamed, David Osagie, Momas Yapo, Mohamed Rifnaz, Zarwan Johar, Afis Olayemi, Ediri Bandanage Channa,  Dilan Kaushalya.

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Broadcast

You can watch the game live streaming on www.khelnow.com