I-League champions Mohun Bagan take on Maldivian side Maziya in their Asia Cup 2016 opener Wednesday at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.
After a dramatic two-match campaign in the AFC Champions League, the Kolkata giants find themselves in the group stages of Asia Cup. Mohun Bagan made history earlier this year by becoming the first ever Indian football club to pick up a win in the AFC Champions League, as they defeated well-known Singapore outfit Tampines Rovers in their first match.
The Kolkata giants, however, suffered a 6-0 loss at the hands of Chinese side Shandong Luneng in their second preliminary-round match, dropping them down to the AFC Cup.
Nevertheless, their current undefeated run in the I-League 2016 will give them much impetus to try and go ahead in the continental competition and make an impact. Mohun Bagan have been drawn alongside South China, Yangon United and Maziya in Group G of the competition.
Maziya are one of the top sides in the Dhivehi Premier League, and have the capability to pose a danger to the I-League giants.
"We have no idea regarding the opposition [Maziya]," Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen was quoted by Goal as saying ahead of the match. "So it's an unknown opponent and we think Mohun Bagan is a very good side and we have a very good chance to qualify. It's also a very good opportunity for our boys too, who can show that they can play better football and beat Asian opposition. (sic)"
The good news for Sen is there are no notable injuries in the squad and all players are available to appear for Mohun Bagan in the match.
Where to follow the updates
Mohun Bagan vs Maziya is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. IST from the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati, Feb. 24.
The match will have no broadcast or online live-streaming in India. However, updates from the match can be found on the official Mohun Bagan Twitter handle.
