Kolkata, September 15: Kolkata will be buzzing with anticipation on Tuesday evening as Mohun Bagan Super Giant kick off their AFC Champions League Two 2025 campaign against Turkmenistan side Ahal FK at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, with kickoff scheduled for 7:15 PM.

For Mohun Bagan, this competition carries a special meaning. Last season, the club’s journey was cut short due to uncontrollable reasons beyond football. Head coach Jose Molina had promised that his team would return, and now, having qualified again, the Mariners are determined to make a statement. “We want to show that we are not just champions of India, but also capable of competing among Asia’s elite,” Molina said ahead of the big night.

The squad looks sharp and focused in training, with only winger Manvir Singh ruled out due to injury, and still not match fit. The rest of the players are fit and ready. Midfielder Anirudh Thapa highlighted the team’s mindset going into the campaign: “It’s a tough competition with tough opponents, but we are confident. India’s recent performance in the CAFA Nations Cup was inspiring, and that spirit motivates us’.

Their opponents, Ahal FK, arrive with a well-prepared squad and plenty of experience. The Turkmen side features seven to eight players from their Olympic national team and another five to six regulars from the senior national team. They dedicated a two-month training camp to prepare specifically for this tournament and played three friendlies against domestic clubs. Having previously competed at this level, Ahal know what it takes to perform in Asia.

The visitors have also done their homework on Indian football. With Turkmen clubs like Arkadag and Altyn Asyr having played in India last season, Ahal have gained valuable insights into Indian conditions, weather, and food culture, ensuring they arrive in Kolkata well-adjusted and ready to fight.

With Mohun Bagan aiming for redemption and Ahal FK seeking to make a mark, the clash promises intensity and high-quality football. The Salt Lake Stadium crowd will play its part too, almost 55,000 have been sorted already, and the twelfth man’s are waiting to showcased sevn to eight tifos, pushing the Mariners as they look to begin their AFC Champions League Two journey with a statement victory at home.