Under-Pressure Mohun Bagan Hope To Return To Winning Ways In AFC Cup

Smarting from the recent defeat to arch-rivals East Bengal, Mohun Bagan Super Giant will switch their focus from domestic to international competition as they face an in-form Machhindra FC of Nepal in the AFC Cup in Kolkata on Wednesday. Up against an in-form opponent in the preliminary round two clash, there will be no margin for error for the Juan Ferrando-coached side, which is looking to overcome their its first derby defeat in almost five years. The reigning Indian Super League champions lost 0-1 to traditional foes East Bengal in the Durand Cup three days ago.

Being a knockout round, the Mariners, who have been Inter-Zone semifinalists for the past two seasons, cannot afford to lose.

A victory will seal their place in the south zone playoff where they will face the winners of the match between Abahani Limited of Bangladesh and Maldives' Club Eagles, also slated for Wednesday.

Should they win against the Nepalese outfit, Mohun Bagan will also get to play at home in the next round, in their bid to make the continental showpiece's main round.

However, the Mariners did not have a perfect build-up to the AFC Cup after seeing their eight-match winning streak against East Bengal coming to an end last Saturday.

If that's not enough, Mohun Bagan are also competing in the local league (Calcutta Football League Premier Division), albeit with their youth side with a match slated on Tuesday, meaning the club is playing in three competitions simultaneously.

Asked whether he's happy with the build-up to the AFC Cup, coach Ferrando said: "It's not in our hands. We will try to find the best lineup." For long, Mohun Bagan have been living under the weight of having never won the continental tournament, unlike their arch-rivals East