Hero I-League Champions, Mohun Bagan have been drawn in Group G of 2016 AFC Cup, where as 2014 Federation Cup Champions, Bengaluru FC find themselves in Group H. The draws were announced today at Hilton Petaling Jaya, a Hotel on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Mohun Bagan, have been grouped along with South China (Hong Kong), Yangon United/Yadanarbon FC (Myanmar), Maziya S&C (Maldives) and will begin their campaign on 23rd February 2016. Mohun Bagan, who by virtue of winning the League Competition, will play in AFC Champions League Preliminary Round, where they will clash against S. League Runner's Up, Tampine Rovers on 27th January.
If they manage to win this match, they play against Shadong Luneng Taishan of China. Winner of this match will play against Adelaide United and the subsequent winner will qualify for AFC Champions League Group Stage.
In the event of Mohun Bagan Qualifying for Group Stage of ACL, East Bengal FC will replace them in AFC Cup. Ideally it should be Royal Wahingdoh FC to get the chance, if it arises, but due to their pulling out of I-League and also failing AFC Club Licencing Criteria, the next team, i.e., East Bengal will get the qualification.
Bengaluru FC, who find themselves in Group H, have familiar foe in Johor Darul Ta'zim, whom they met in their Preliminary Round of AFC Champions League Qualifying Round and lost 2-1 in extra time, after both the teams were tied at 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes. Lao Toyota FC (Laos) and Ayeyavady United (Myanmar) are the other two teams in the group.
The Blues begin their campaign in AFC Cup in an away game against Laos Toyota FC on 24th February 2016.
JDT, who are 2015 AFC Cup Champions and will also play in ACL Qualifying Preliminary Round 2, and if they manage to gain qualification to ACL Group Stage, they will be replaced by Pahang FA, who finished 3rd in Malaysian Super League 2014/15 Season.
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