Himal Press 
Match Details:
Date: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 Time: 7:15 pm Venue: Salt Lake Stadium Kolkata Live on: InSports TV app
KATHMANDU: Machhindra FC will take on Indian Super League (ISL) Champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the 2nd preliminary round of the AFC Cup 2023 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Wednesday.
Machhidnra defeated Bhutanese league champion Paro FC 3-2 last week to advance to the 2nd preliminary round.
The match winner between Machhindra and Mohun Bagan will meet either Club Eagles of the Maldives or Abahani Limited Dhaka of Bangladesh.
Machhindra Head Coach Kishor Kumar KC said they will try to use Mohun Bagan’s loss against East Bengal to their advantage. “Mohun Bagan has a good attack. We must ensure we keep a tight defensive shape and build our attacks from there,” KC said in the pre-match press conference.
However, Mohun Bagan Head Coach Juan Ferrando is looking to put the derby disappointment behind them. “We try to learn and improve every game, especially from our losses. But I believe that the past is not as important if you do not repeat your mistakes,” said Ferrando.
Machhindra FC got the opportunity to participate in the continental club tournament despite finishing second in the Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division National League, as the champions Church Boys United doesn’t have an AFC club license.
This is Machhindra’s second participation AFC Cub. Last year, Machhindra was defeated by Sri Lankan side Blue Star FC.
Machhindra FC Squad:
Goalkeepers: Bishal Shrestha, Pradip Bhandari, Luja Maharjan
Defenders: Sanish Shrestha, Debendra Tamang, Diwakar Chaudhary, Chhiring Gurung, Suraj BK, Kareem Omolaja
Midfielders: Andres Nia, Erik Bista, Laken Limbu, Dipesh Ghale, Utsab Rai
Forwards: Bimal Gharti Magar, Ashish Chaudhary, Ayush Ghalan, Messouke Oloumou, Saurabh Limbu, Abhishek Gurung, Rejin Subba, Bijaya Bhujel, Afeez Olawale
