Mohun Bagan lose opener to Ahal FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant endured a disappointing start to their AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 campaign, losing 1-0 to Turkmenistan’s Ahal FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday.

An 83rd-minute strike from Enwer Annayev sealed the win for the visitors, leaving the Indian football club empty-handed from its Group C opener.

Ahal signalled their intent from the outset. Suleyman Mirzoyev found space in just the second minute but skewed wide, while Magtymberdi Berenov and Mirzoyev continued to stretch the Mohun Bagan defence.

The Mariners grew into the contest around the 13th minute when Liston Colaco and Sahal Abdul Samad had efforts blocked in quick succession.

Jason Cummings spurned their best first-half chance, blasting over from inside the box after a neat exchange with Samad.

Mohun Bagan keeper Vishal Kaith was the busier of the two goalkeepers after the restart, denying Berenov twice and producing a big save in the 69th minute when Mirzoyev squared for Berenov at the near post.

Kaith was again at full stretch in the 80th minute to keep out Mirzoyev’s header. At the other end, Samad came close from a counter but dragged his shot wide.

Just when the match seemed destined for a stalemate, Annayev’s finish sealed the points for the visitors.

Organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the ACL 2 is the continent’s second-tier club football competition, a rung below the AFC Champions League Elite. Sharjah FC of the UAE lifted the inaugural title last season.

Teams play each group rival home and away, with the top two advancing to the round of 16 in February.

Mohun Bagan booked a direct group-stage berth after winning the Indian Super League Shield last season.

The Kolkata side will travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran to face Sepahan SC in its next ACL 2 Group C match on September 30.

FC Goa are also in the ACL 2 main draw. They will play Iraq’s Al Zawraa in their Group D opener on Wednesday.

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