Mohun Bagan Super Giant is poised for a showdown against Bangladesh’s Abahani Dhaka in a pivotal AFC Cup Qualifying match tonight at 7:00 PM IST at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium – the Mariners’ fortress. The encounter marks the South Zone Play-offs, where only one of the two teams will advance to the coveted AFC Cup group stages.
With the AFC Cup qualification at stake, both Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Abahani Dhaka are in fierce preparation mode. The press conference held a day prior to the match offered insights from Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s Head Coach, Juan Ferrando, and the team’s attacking sensation, Liston Colaco, shedding light on their readiness for the game.
Impressive performances have led both teams to this stage. Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Machhindra FC, showcasing their swift and cohesive attacking style. Meanwhile, Abahani Dhaka overcame a tough challenge from Club Eagles of Maldives with a close 2-1 scoreline.
The stakes are sky-high as both teams vie for a prestigious spot in the AFC Cup. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, driven by their storied legacy and fervent fanbase, aims to make a lasting impact this season after an impressive previous year that saw them clinching the Hero ISL Cup.
Head Coach Juan Ferrando remains cautious, terming the upcoming match as a tough challenge. Dismissing the notion of favorites, Ferrando asserts that this match holds the intensity of a final, underlining the importance of unwavering focus and thorough preparation against Abahani Dhaka’s potential threats.
Despite the challenge of acclimatizing to new teams and a condensed season schedule, Ferrando expressed contentment with the team’s progress. Liston Colaco, a prominent Indian player, radiated confidence in his readiness to contribute wholeheartedly to the team’s endeavors.
Liston Colaco affirmed his commitment to the team’s success, citing the significance of hard work. He expressed a desire to maintain this commitment throughout the season, displaying underlying self-assuredness.
Juan Ferrando stressed the team’s mindset and meticulous attention to preparation details as paramount. Notably, star strikers Dimitri Petratos and Sadiku’s readiness to play a full 90 minutes stirred curiosity among Mohun Bagan Super Giant fans. Ferrando offered optimism, indicating their gradual improvement and suggesting a potential appearance to boost the team’s gameplay against Dhaka Abahani.
Though Mohun Bagan Super Giant sailed past Abahani Dhaka in a previous season, this encounter carries distinct stakes and challenges. As the match’s countdown begins, anticipation among fans escalates. Both teams are acutely aware of the golden opportunity this match presents to edge closer to their AFC Cup aspirations. With their formidable form, ardent fan backing, and unwavering resolve, this clash between titans promises to captivate football enthusiasts across the region.
