For the two Indian clubs, the ongoing AFC Cup has not been a pleasant expedition so far
The Asian Football Confederation Cup (AFC Cup) is underway and from India, merely two clubs have reached the tournament: ATK Mohun Bagan from West Bengal and Gokulam Kerala Football Club from Kerala. For the unversed individuals, the AFC Cup is played by those teams who fail to secure a direct spot in the AFC Champions League.
What is the importance of this article?
As we are thoroughly aware, the present condition of Indian football is weak contrasted to cricket. Most of the people in the country are not even cognizant of the AFC Cup or that two Indian clubs are representing the nation on the global stage. Therefore, through this piece, we aim to enlighten the masses about the ongoing competition and the two sides that are taking part in the tourney.
ATK MB
ATK MB or ATK Mohun Bagan is a new team that was founded in 2020. However, the team’s roots are primitive because ATK MB was formed after ATK FC merged with Mohun Bagan. Mohun Bagan was set up in 1899 and was one of the oldest football clubs in the world. It was the first-ever Indian club to defeat a British line-up in 1911.
Before the unification, Mohun Bagan earned the National Football League thrice and I-League twice along with 14 Federation Cups, 16 Durand Cups, 22 IFA Shields and 14 Rovers Cup. Moving on to ATK FC, the club was founded in 2014 with the inception of the Indian Super League. Before joining Mohun Bagan, ATK picked up three Indian Super League titles in 2014, 2016 and 2020.
In the ongoing AFC Cup, ATK Mohun Bagan has played two games so far with one triumph and one defeat. However, they are still the group leaders because of goal differences.
Gokulam Kerala FC
While ATK FC or Mohun Bagan or ATK Mohun Bagan are all old clubs, Gokulam Kerala FC is the newest kid on the block. Founded by Sree Gokulam Group, the club was established in 2017 and in only five years; they have picked up the I-League twice.
In the AFC Cup, Gokulam FC is sharing the group with ATK Mohun Bagan and is in the second position with one win and one loss from two matches. Last but not the least, Gokulam FC won its first match of the AFC CUP 2022 by upsetting ATK Mohun Bagan.
