The AFC Champions League 2 returns this week with a much-anticipated clash at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) host Turkmenistan’s Ahal FK.
Scheduled for September 16, the match marks not just the start of Group C but also the beginning of a new chapter for Mohun Bagan, who step back onto the continental stage with unfinished business. For the Mariners, it is more than a group stage fixture. It is a test of character, a chance at redemption, and an opportunity to show that Indian football’s most expensive squad can stand tall in Asia. For Ahal FK, it is about proving the strength of their “local-first” philosophy against a star-driven opponent.
Mohun Bagan’s return to continental football comes after an abrupt end to their 2024–25 campaign. Last season, the club was withdrawn from the tournament by the AFC after refusing to travel to Iran for safety reasons.
That episode left a sour taste, but it also gave Spanish coach Jose Molina and his players a burning motivation to return stronger. True to his promise, Molina rallied his squad to defend the ISL Shield, finishing eight points clear of FC Goa, and with it, earned direct qualification for AFC Champions League 2. This year’s campaign, therefore, is personal. It is about validating domestic dominance on a bigger stage and putting to rest questions raised after last year’s exit. Adding to the narrative, Mohun Bagan’s second group game is ironically away in Iran, against Sepahan SC. For the Mariners, this makes a winning start at home against Ahal FK essential both for points and momentum.
Pressure After a Shaky Start
The timing of the competition also plays a role. The Indian Super League (ISL) season is yet to begin, leaving most clubs in a lull. For Mohun Bagan, continental football arrives at just the right time an outlet to build match fitness and focus. However, their preparations have not been perfect. The Mariners suffered an early exit in the Durand Cup, losing 2-1 to arch-rivals East Bengal in the quarterfinals. That defeat ended a run of dominance in the Kolkata derby and placed the squad under scrutiny.
Midfielder Anirudh Thapa acknowledged the disappointment but stressed that the AFC Champions League 2 campaign has always been the club’s real priority. Now, all eyes are on how Mohun Bagan respond on the continental stage. The match against Ahal FK is a chance to shift the narrative, show resilience, and set a positive tone for the season.
Squad Depth and Star Power
There is little doubt that Mohun Bagan enter this competition with one of the most formidable squads in Indian football history. Backed by significant investment, the club has assembled a star-studded roster featuring six foreign players, including recent recruit Robson Robinho, the Brazilian forward expected to make his debut. Coach Jose Molina’s tactical choices will be closely watched. He has the luxury of fielding an attacking trio of Jason Cummings, Jamie Maclaren, and Robinho, a frontline that would rival the best in Asia’s second-tier competition. Behind them, Anirudh Thapa will anchor the midfield, providing control and supply. At the back, new signings like Mehtab Singh add defensive solidity.
For fans, the excitement is centered on whether the Mariners can translate their individual brilliance into cohesive performances. On paper, they have the tools to dominate Group C. The question is whether they can deliver consistently under pressure.
The Turkmen Challenge
Standing in their way is Ahal FK, a team with a very different footballing philosophy. Based in Turkmenistan’s Ahal Province, the club won their first domestic title in 2022 and have since been regulars in Asian competitions. What makes Ahal unique is their insistence on fielding an entirely local squad. Head coach Eziz Annamuhammedov confirmed they have traveled to Kolkata without any foreign players. Their strength lies in collective discipline, tactical cohesion, and resilience traits that can frustrate more flamboyant teams.
Currently second in their domestic league, Ahal arrive in mid-season rhythm, unlike Mohun Bagan, who are still tuning up. They also prepared carefully for this fixture, landing in Kolkata four days early to acclimatize. Forward Enver Annayev, who has previously played at Salt Lake Stadium, adds a touch of familiarity to their lineup. For Ahal, this match is a chance to showcase the effectiveness of their homegrown model on one of Asia’s biggest stages.
Key Battles to Watch
The game will likely be decided by how well Mohun Bagan’s attacking stars break down Ahal’s defensive block. The visitors will sit deep, stay compact, and rely on quick counter-attacks. For Molina’s men, patience and precision will be key.
- Cummings/Maclaren/Robinho vs Ahal Defense: Can Mohun Bagan’s expensive frontline find space against a disciplined, physical backline?
- Thapa in Midfield: His ability to dictate tempo and pick passes will be vital in breaking resistance.
- Counter-Attacks: Ahal will look to exploit any gaps left behind by Mohun Bagan’s attacking push.
Group C at a Glance
Alongside Ahal FK and Mohun Bagan, Group C includes Sepahan SC (Iran) and Al-Hussein SC (Jordan). Both are formidable opponents, and with only the top teams advancing, every point is precious. The Kolkata fixture is arguably Mohun Bagan’s most winnable game. With Sepahan away up next, the Mariners need to secure three points at home to avoid playing catch-up later in the group stage.
The Stakes
This opener is loaded with significance. For Mohun Bagan, a win would:
- Restore confidence after the Durand Cup setback.
- Justify the heavy investment in their squad.
- Show Indian football can compete at the Asian level.
For Ahal, victory would validate their local-first philosophy and prove that resilience can trump star power.
The AFC Champions League 2 opener is more than a football match for Mohun Bagan it is a litmus test of ambition, resilience, and identity. It is a clash of cultures: star-studded might versus local grit. Jose Molina and his Mariners know that a strong start is non-negotiable. Win, and the road ahead looks promising. Stumble, and the questions will grow louder.
As Bhaichung Bhutia once said, Indian clubs need to “raise the bar” in Asia. For Mohun Bagan, September 16 is the first real chance to do just that.
