The stage is set for an exciting knockout match between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Machhindra FC as they battle it out for AFC Cup qualification. The knockout match for AFC Cup Qualification will take place at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The match will see the Indian Super League Cup winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant, face a tough challenge from the Nepalese side, Machhindra FC.
Mohun Bagan have a very strong side on paper and analysis, however, they face a tough challenge in the form of Machhindra FC, who have reached this stage after a hard-fought victory against Paro FC. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory and move closer to qualifying for the prestigious AFC Cup. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM IST on the 16th of August, 2023.
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Mohun Bagan Super Giant enters this fixture with a strong start to their season. They began their campaign with an emphatic 5-0 victory against Bangladesh Army in the Durand Cup. Building on their early success, they continued their winning streak with a 2-0 triumph against Punjab FC. However, they faced a setback in the Kolkata Derby, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of their arch-rivals, East Bengal. Mohun Bagan will be determined to bounce back from their derby loss and secure a victory in this crucial match.
Machhindra FC, on the other hand, had to battle through the qualifying rounds to reach this stage. In their previous match, they displayed incredible resilience and determination, defeating Paro FC by a narrow margin of 3-2. This victory propelled Machhindra FC into the knockout stages, and they will be brimming with confidence as they take on their Indian counterparts.
Team News:
In terms of team news, both Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Machhindra FC have no reported injuries or suspensions. This means that both teams will be able to field their strongest lineups and compete at their highest level.
Head-to-head record
Interestingly, this will be the first meeting between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Machhindra FC in any competition. This adds an element of intrigue and uncertainty to the match, as both teams will be unfamiliar with each other’s playing styles and tactics. It will be fascinating to see how the two sides adapt to this new challenge and try to gain the upper hand.
Probable Starting line-ups
Mohun Bagan Super Giant XI: Vishal Kaith, Asish Rai, Anwar Ali, Brendan Hamill, Subhasish Bose, Anirudh Thapa, Glan Martins, Hugo Boumous, Liston Colaco, Dimi Petratos, Manvir Singh
Machhindra FC XI: Bishal Shrestha, Sanish Shrestha, Omolaja Karim, Devendra Tamang, Tshiring Gurung, Utsab Rai, Andreas Nia, Arik Bista, Afeez Olawale, Bimal G. Magar, Aayush Ghalan.
As the Salt Lake Stadium prepares to host this exciting encounter, football fans from both India and Nepal are eagerly looking forward to witnessing this clash of titans. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with passionate supporters from both sides cheering on their respective teams. The match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the talent and competitive spirit of both Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Machhindra FC.
Read: Durand Cup – East Bengal Clinches Long-Awaited Win Against Mohun Bagan
With both teams vying for a place in the AFC Cup, the stakes are high, and neither side will be willing to concede an inch. The players will undoubtedly give their all on the pitch, and it will be up to them to seize the moment and secure the victory for their respective clubs.
From our point of view on pen and paper after all the massive signings and incomings with the likes of Anwar Ali, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Jason Cummings, and Sadiku along with the existing squad, Mohun Bagan Super Giant might have a clear edge in the contest but at the end of the day the game isn’t played on paper which makes it so interesting and Juan Ferrando and his boys have to go all out for this all awaited AFC Cup qualifying fixture.
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