Gokulam Kerala brace for AFC Cup challenge, take on ATK Mohun Bagan

I-League title, a buoyant Gokulam Kerala team is faced with a new challenge as they take on star-studded local heavyweights ATK Mohun Bagan in the AFC Cup group D opener at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday. Last Saturday, the Malabarians became the first team to defend the I-League, when they edged out local giants Mohammedan Sporting 2-1 in the decider. Three days later Vincenzo Alberto Annese's side will be up against a whole new challenge in the continental showpiece where they qualified by virtue of winning the last season's league.

In all, Annese's side won 13 matches, drew four and lost only once -- in the penultimate round. They scored the highest number of goals -- 44 -- and conceded the least -- 15 -- in yet another perfect I-League season. Slovenian centre-forward Luka Majcen, who was signed in the January transfer window when the league was suspended, has been their top goal-scorer with 13 goals to his kitty.

Apart from Majcen, their key Indian duo of midfielders Emil Benny and Muhammed Uvais along with the Afghan recruit Sharif Mukhammad, will be the key to their attack. A win will give them an early advantage in securing the only available berth into the AFC Cup Inter-Zone semi-finals. Having stood out with most interceptions in the I-League, Cameroonian centre back Aminou Bouba (113) and Pawan Kumar (72) will spearhead their defence against a quality attack in Roy Krishna, David Williams and Manvir Singh.

"I've respect for all opponents but trust me you have respect for my team also. They must give everything tomorrow," said Annese. Having achieved unprecedented success in the I-League, the Italian gaffer is unfazed by the gap between the I-League and the top-tier ISL teams.