Male (Maldives), Aug 23: ATK Mohun Bagan just need a draw against Bashundhara Kings of Bangladesh in their last group match to qualify for the knock-out stage of AFC Cup, here on Tuesday.
With two wins from as many games, the Mariners have the edge after they followed up their 2-0 victory over compatriots Bengaluru FC with a come-from-behind 3-1 triumph against Maziya to tally six points and give them a two point buffer over the Kings going into Tuesday’s tie.
A draw will be enough for Antonio Lopez Habas’ side to be crowned South Zonal champions and claim a place in the Inter-Zone Semi-final. The Bangladesh champions, on four points from a win and a draw, need nothing less than a win.
Much will depend if the Kings are able to shut down Group D leading scorer Roy Krishna, who has scored two from two for ATK Mohun Bagan so far. The Fiji international is sure to test a backline that is yet to be breached in this year’s competition. For the Bangladesh champions, it will be Brazilian forward Robinho, who is the main source of inspiration in attack.
Habas expects his team to carry on the solid work they have produced so far. “They are a good team, we give them maximum respect. The most important thing for us is not to concede a goal, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any attacks.
“We have to find the balance. We know that this is a decisive match and we have to give 100 percent on the pitch.” Kings head coach Oscar Bruzon fully believes his side can defeat ATK Mohun Bagan on Tuesday for a place in the 2021 AFC Cup knockout stage. “I think (the match-up) is very balanced. Both teams are the only clubs to have the opportunity to qualify for the next round,” Bruzon said.
He admitted ATK Mohun Bagan are on an advantage and said his side will be in attack mode as they needed a win. “ATK are starting with a slight advantage and we need to push a little bit more tomorrow if we want to win the game.” Kings have had a phenomenal domestic season, losing only one of their 21 matches in the Bangladesh Premier League. (PTI)
