Bagan take on Maziya Sports in AFC Cup tie (Preview)

With an eye to the virtual title clash against Aizawl FC away in the weekend, Mohun Bagan will take on Maziya Sports and Recreation in their Group E AFC Cup tie at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium here on Wednesday.

Bagan recorded a last-minute win over Minerva Punjab FC in their last I-League encounter to keep pace on Aizawl, who has surprised one and all this time to top the table.

With Haitian star forward Sony Norde scoring the solitary goal, the Sanjoy Sen-coached outfit are now dreaming of their second league triumph in two years' time.

The AFC Cup is a distraction for the green and maroon brigade and on Wednesday they won't be expected to field all their key players.

So far, Bagan have won one and lost the other of their matches against Dhaka Limited Abahani at home and Bengaluru FC away respectively.

Scottish striker Darryl Duffy has also been in good form for the hosts along with Japanese playmaker Yusa Katsumi.

Coming to their rivals, Maziya have been regular participants in the AFC Cup since 2013. However, the Maldivian outfit have never managed to go past the group stages.

Last year, Maziya were thrashed by Bagan 5-2 in Guwahati but drew 1-1 with Bagan in their own lair.

The visitors' new coach Sekulovski is keen on playing a more passing game. The team thrives on their strong backline with the new addition of Cordos. His partner Amdan is also physically tough and good in air.

Skipper Abdulla Assadhulla will also be a player to watch out for being the top scorer in Maldives over the last three seasons.

--IANS

dm/gau/vt