Indian Super League (ISL) side Mohun Bagan Super Giant will kick off their highly anticipated AFC Champions League 2 campaign against Tajikistan’s Ravshan Kulob on September 18 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

The Mariners secured their first ISL League Shield last season with a record 48 points, earning a direct spot in this continental competition.

After finishing third in the 2023-24 AFC Cup group stage, Mohun Bagan SG aims to make a strong impact in the newly formatted AFC Champions League 2. With a more balanced and formidable squad and under the guidance of new coach Jose Molina, the Kolkata giants are poised for standout performances.

Having been drawn into the same group as Al Wakrah SC and Tractor FC, the reigning ISL Shield winners will feature in the opening Group A fixture against Ravshan Kulob on their home turf.

Ravshan Kulob qualified for the group stage as the runners-up of the 2023 Tajikistan Higher League. The Kulob-based side have made four appearances in the AFC Cup before but are yet to advance past the group stage.

Form Guide

Mohun Bagan SG – DLWWW

Mohun Bagan SG have faced recent difficulties, with their last two games seeing them relinquish two-goal leads. They have struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches. In their opening ISL 2024-25 fixture, the Mariners drew 2-2 against Mumbai City FC, having been up 2-0 at halftime but ultimately failing to clinch the win.

Moreover, Jose Molina’s side lost the Durand Cup final to NorthEast United FC last month. Despite holding a 2-0 lead at halftime, Mohun Bagan SG were unable to maintain their advantage and lost the decisive match.

Ravshan Kulob – WWDWL

Ravshan Kulob are unbeaten in their last four fixtures in the Tajik League. They are currently placed in the fifth spot with 27 points from 15 matches.

The Tajikistan club shared spoils with FC Panjshir and registered a 1-0 win against CSKA Pamir Dushanbe, and a 4-1 victory against Eskhata Khujand in their recent outings.

Head-to-Head

The two sides are set to face each other for the first time.

Key Battles

Subhasish Bose vs Bakhtiyor Zaripov

With Alberto Rodriguez uncertain for the match and Tom Aldred still looking for his best form, captain defender Subhasish Bose will need to take on the responsibility of bolstering the Mariners’ defence. Renowned for his leadership and strong defensive attributes, Bose will aim to neutralize Bakhtiyor Zaripov’s attacking threats and provide the Mariners with a solid start in the AFC Champions League 2.

Bakhtiyor Zaripov, who is in good form, could pose a significant threat to the Mohun Bagan SG defence. Zaripov is the top scorer for Ravshan Kulob in the Tajik League, with five goals to his name.

Jason Cummings vs Samuel Ofori

Since joining the Mariners last year, Jason Cummings has demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess, finishing as the highest scorer for the club in both the 2023-24 ISL season and the 2024 Durand Cup. The Australian forward will be looking to get on the scoresheet against the Tajikistan side and provide his team with a strong start to the game.

Cummings could face a formidable challenge from Samuel Ofori, making their duel an exciting aspect to watch.

Match Details:

Fixture: Mohun Bagan SG vs Ravshan Kulob

Date: September 18, 2024

Time: 7:30 PM (IST)

Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata

Telecast: Sports 18 3 and FanCode App

Related tags:

Mohun Bagan Super Giant2024-2025