AIFF Media Team

BENGALURU: Finalists from the AFC Cup 2016, JSW Bengaluru FC, are all set to kick start their AFC Cup campaign against their familiar foes Mohun Bagan at the 'Fortress' Shree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru tomorrow (March 14, 2017).

Following a tweak in the competition format, for the first time in the AFC Cup history, two Indian heavyweights, JSW Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan are pitted in the same group (E) along with the representatives from Bangladesh (Dhaka Abahani Limited) and Maldives (Maziya Sports & Recreation).

Meanwhile, to add a bit woes to the campaigners as well as the supporters, only one team will get the gate pass to the Zonal Semi-final from here, which adds more value to tomorrow's fixture which would eventually set the tone for the entire campaign.

Albeit the first clash of the season, just 48 hours ago, ended in a goalless stalemate, both sides tried heart and soul to go under their opponents' skin to churn out a result in their quest to lifting the coveted Hero I-League trophy.

Relating to that match, Mohun Bagan gaffer Sanjoy Sen stated, "We have taken a few positives from the match and we'll try to execute them tomorrow to get a positive start in our AFC Cup campaign."

"Going down to 10 with 20-odd minutes left, we had no other option but to go defensive. Our boys showed character and we have earned an invaluable point. Tomorrow is a fresh start and we'll obviously play for a win."

He added more, "Someone must step up on the bigger stage. Be it from Duffy, Jeje or Balwant, we need goals."

Even Sunil Chhetri the captain from the other camp, also sounded pretty concerned with the goal-drought through which JSW Bengaluru FC are going on now.

"After every match, we sit down and analyse. We are creating chances, holding the majority of possession but those chances are going astray. Should we repeat last year's feat, we have to pull our socks up and we have to do it now."

The talismanic striker's recalled even the AFC Cup 2016 final match in Doha and stated, 'it'll provide us with a self-belief to go one step further this time.'

"See, we can't deny that there have been results which could have been bettered anyways, but believe me, this is Bengaluru FC. The adrenalin rush is still there and there's no dearth of motivation amongst us."

While gaffer Albert Roca didn't hesitate to pick AFC Cup as their priority this season as the hope of retaining the Hero I-League is marginal, the Mariners' boss Sanjoy Sen reiterated to exert much leverage on the Hero I-League.

The match is slated to kick-off at 07:00 PM.

(Picture Courtesy: JSW Bengaluru FC)