Mohun Bagan seek to consolidate top spot in AFC Cup against Maziya
Mariners aim for another win at Salt Lake Stadium on Monday
Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who has advanced to the AFC Cup inter-zone semifinals thrice, will take on Maziya Sports & Recreation of the Maldives on Monday at the Salt Lake Stadium in an AFC Cup Group D South Zone match.
The defending ISL champions defeated Odisha FC 4-0 to start their AFC Cup group stage campaign, and the Maldives team also won their first round encounter, defeating Bashundhara Kings of Dhaka 3-1.
Both Mohun Bagan and Maziya have three points, but the Calcutta heavyweights are in first place in group D due to a higher goal differential, and the Juan Ferrando-coached team will seek out another victory to further their chances of qualifying.
There won't be much margin for error in Group D since only the South Zone group winners advance to the Inter-Zone semi-finals, thus Ferrando's wards will want to keep up their momentum.
"Maziya won their most recent game, making this match unique. We'll do our best to play well and earn the three points. Tomorrow's game will be exciting and challenging, but we'll fight for the three points, Ferrando said at the pre-game press conference on Sunday.
Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco, and Dimitri Petratos have all found their scoring touch for the Mariners, scoring a goal each in their victory over Odisha FC.
Hugo Boumous scored the game-winning goal as Mohun Bagan defeated Bengaluru FC 1-0 in the Indian Super League before the match. This was the tournament's second victory for the defending champions.
After winning the Durand Cup, the Mariners put together a star-studded team this year, and they have begun to stand on their own. The goal for Ferrando's team will now be to go to the inter-zonal semifinals for the third straight time.
On the other side, despite being a little-known group, Maziya has proven that they are no pushovers. They have a solid Maldivian foundation, and a few outside players help them out.
Although it's predicted that the game would be competitive, Mohun Bagan will start as the favorite because of their home advantage and greater talent.
