ATK Mohun Bagan exit AFC Cup after Nasaf hammering

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:04 am

ATK Mohun Bagan's AFC Cup campaign ended after a 6-0 hammering at the hands of Uzbekistan's FC Nasaf in the inter-zonal play-off semi-final on Wednesday.

Bagan conceded five goals in the first half which included an own goal from defender Pritam Kotal (4' OG) followed by a hat-trick by Khusayin Norchaev (18', 21', 31'). Oybek Bozorov (45+1') scored at the stroke of breather while subsitute Donier Narzullaev (71st) added to Bagan's miseries. This included a penalty miss from the Uzbek side in the first half. It was a poor showing from the team that finished second in the ISL league stages last year and went on to lose the finals of the knockout stages of that competition. They barely threatened the Nasaf goal and struggled to string together meaningful moves.

Nasaf, of course, faced no such issues as they entertained a packed home crowd with some scintillating attacking play. They will next face Hong Kong's Lee Man in the Inter-zonal play-off finals ahead of the AFC Cup final.

Nasaf are currently placed fifth in the Uzbekistan Super League.

Antonio Habas coached side didn't have much match practice ahead of the game, apart from the three group stage last month. They will start their Indian Super League (ISL) season 8 against Kerala Blasters at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa on November 19.

The 0-6 defeat equals Bagan's worst in the AFC Cup which came against Al Kuwait back in 2009. The Kuwaiti side went on to become champions.

Nasaf have been champions of the second-tier continental inter-club competition when they defeated Dempo with an aggregate scoreline of 13-0 in 2011 and that was the last time they participated in the competition.