Mohun Bagan Super Giant is drawn alongside Al-Wakrah SC (Qatar), Tractor FC (IR Iran), and FC Ravshan (Tajikistan) in Group A of the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two. Mohun Bagan SG qualified for the newly rebranded second-tier men's AFC club competition by winning the 2023-24 Indian Super League Shield. The Mariners finished third in the 2023-24 AFC Cup Group Stage and failed to qualify for the knockout stage.

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Mohun Bagan Super Giant's opposition teams and the format

Al-Wakrah SC qualified for the AFC Champions League Two by finishing fourth in the 2023-24 Qatar Stars League. This is the Qatari side's first appearance in Asia since the 2001-02 Asian Club Championship. Iranian side Tractor FC also qualified with a fourth-place finish in the 2023-24 Persian Gulf Pro League. FC Ravshan booked their spot in the tournament as the 2023 Tajikistan Higher League runners-up.

The AFC Champions League Two features 32 clubs divided into eight groups of four teams each for the Group Stage. The group stages will be played in a home-and-away round-robin format from September 17 to December 5, 2024.

The top two finishers from each group will advance to the Round of 16, which will be played in February 2025. The Quarter-finals will be played in March 2025 and the Semi-finals in April 2025. The Final of the tournament will be played on May 17, 2025.

The AFC Champions League (ACL), Asia’s premier club football competition, has been a stage for unforgettable moments and fierce rivalries since its inception in 1967. From Hapoel Tel Aviv’s inaugural triumph to Al-Ahli’s recent success in 2024-25, the tournament has crowned champions from diverse nations, showcasing Asia's footballing prowess. Here is an overview of the ACL winners from 1967 to 2025.

CAPTAIN ROBERTO FIRMINO!!!

Bobby Firmino lifts the AFC Champions League with Al-Alhi after assisting both goals in the Final. He also won Player of the Tournament registering 13 G/A in 10 starts!

🇧🇷🏆❤️ pic.twitter.com/apBaRtCaKR

— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) May 3, 2025

AFC Champions League Winners List

Early Years: Israeli and Iranian Dominance (1967–1971)

The ACL, initially known as the Asian Champion Club Tournament, saw Israeli clubs dominate early on, with Hapoel Tel Aviv (1967) and Maccabi Tel Aviv (1969, 1971) winning three of the first four titles. Taj Tehran (1970) marked Iran’s first success in the tournament.

• 1967: Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel) defeated Selangor (Malaysia)
• 1969: Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) defeated Yangzee FC (South Korea)
• 1970: Taj Tehran (Iran) defeated Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)
• 1971: Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) defeated Aliyat Al-Shorta (Iraq)

The tournament was cancelled in the 1972 season for various reasons, and till 1985, the tournament did not take place. In the 1985 season, the tournament returned with a rebranded name, "Asian Club Championship".

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Resurgence and East Asian Rise (1985–1999)

When the competition resumed in 1985, South Korean and Japanese clubs emerged as powerhouses. Daewoo Royals (1985–86), Furukawa Electric (1986), and Yomiuri FC (1987) set the tone, while Pohang Steelers (1996–97, 1997–98) and Jubilo Iwata (1998–99) solidified East Asia’s dominance.

• 1985–86: Daewoo Royals (South Korea) defeated Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
• 1986: Furukawa Electric (Japan) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• 1987: Yomiuri FC (Japan) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• 1988–89: Al-Sadd (Qatar) defeated Al-Rasheed (Iraq)
• 1989–90: Liaoning (China) defeated Nissan Yokohama FC (Japan)
• 1990–91: Esteghlal (Iran) defeated Liaoning (China)
• 1991: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) defeated Esteghlal (Iran)
• 1992–93: PAS Tehran (Iran) defeated Al-Shabab (Saudi Arabia)
• 1993–94: Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand) defeated Oman Club (Oman)
• 1994–95: Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand) defeated Al-Arabi (Qatar)
• 1995: Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea) defeated Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
• 1996–97: Pohang Steelers (South Korea) defeated Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)
• 1997–98: Pohang Steelers (South Korea) defeated Dalian Wanda (China)
• 1998–99: Jubilo Iwata (Japan) defeated Esteghlal (Iran)
• 1999–2000: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) defeated Jubilo Iwata (Japan)

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Modern Era: South Korea, Japan, and Saudi Arabia Shine (2000–2022)

The 21st century saw South Korean clubs like Suwon Samsung Bluewings (2000–01, 2001–02), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2006, 2016), and Ulsan Hyundai (2012, 2020) dominate, alongside Japanese giants Urawa Red Diamonds (2007, 2017, 2022).

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad (2004, 2005) and Al-Hilal (2019, 2021) also claimed multiple titles, while Al-Ain (2002–03, 2023–24) and Guangzhou Evergrande (2013, 2015) added to the UAE and China’s tally.

• 2000–01: Suwon Samsung Bluewings (South Korea) defeated Jubilo Iwata (Japan)
• 2001–02: Suwon Samsung Bluewings (South Korea) defeated Anyang LG Cheetahs (South Korea)
• 2002–03: Al-Ain (UAE) defeated BEC Tero Sasana (Thailand)
• 2004: Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) defeated Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)
• 2005: Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) defeated Al-Ain (UAE)
• 2006: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea) defeated Al-Karamah (Syria)
• 2007: Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) defeated Sepahan (Iran)
• 2008: Gamba Osaka (Japan) defeated Adelaide United (Australia)
• 2009: Pohang Steelers (South Korea) defeated Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
• 2010: Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea) defeated Zob Ahan (Iran)
• 2011: Al-Sadd (Qatar) defeated Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea)
• 2012: Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea) defeated Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
• 2013: Guangzhou Evergrande (China) defeated FC Seoul (South Korea)
• 2014: Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• 2015: Guangzhou Evergrande (China) defeated Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
• 2016: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea) defeated Al-Ain (UAE)
• 2017: Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
• 2018: Kashima Antlers (Japan) defeated Persepolis (Iran)
• 2019: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) defeated Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
• 2020: Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea) defeated Persepolis (Iran)
• 2021: Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) defeated Pohang Steelers (South Korea)
• 2022: Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) defeated Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

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Recent Glory: UAE and Saudi Arabia Triumph (2023–2025)

Al-Ain in the 2023–24 reclaimed glory for the UAE, defeating Yokohama F. Marinos. Al-Ahli in the 2024–25 season ended Saudi Arabia’s title drought with a victory over Kawasaki Frontale, reinforcing the region’s competitive edge.

• 2023–24: Al-Ain (UAE) defeated Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan)
• 2024–25: Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) defeated Kawasaki Frontale (Japan)

Dominant Clubs and Nations

1. South Korea: They lead with 12 titles. Pohang Steelers (3), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (2), Ulsan Hyundai (2), and Suwon Samsung Bluewings (2) are the most successful clubs from South Korea.
2. Japan: Japan have 8 titles, with Urawa Red Diamonds (3) and single wins from Jubilo Iwata, Gamba Osaka, Kashima Antlers, and others.
3. Saudi Arabia: Saudi have 7 titles, with Al-Hilal (4), Al-Ittihad (2), and Al-Ahli (1) winning the most for them
4. Iran, UAE, China: Each has 4 titles, with notable contributions from Esteghlal, Al-Ain, and Guangzhou Evergrande.
5. Thailand, Qatar, Israel: Each secured 2 titles, with Thai Farmers Bank, Al-Sadd, and Maccabi Tel Aviv standing out.

Most successful clubs in AFC Champions League History

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) celebrated the best of Indian football at the AIFF Awards 2025, held today in Bhubaneswar, honouring outstanding players, coaches, referees, and member associations for their contributions during the 2024-25 season.

The ceremony highlighted the growing competitiveness of Indian football, with Mohun Bagan SG’s Subhasish Bose and East Bengal FC’s Soumya Guguloth crowned Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year, respectively. 

AIFF Awards 2025 Winners

Individual Awards

• Men's Player of the Year: Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan SG, Defender)
  • Recognised for his leadership as captain and stellar performances for Mohun Bagan SG as the mariners became the first team to defend the ISL Shield, along with reclaiming the ISL Cup. Bose kept 13 clean sheets as a defender and scored 6 goals as well. 
• Women's Player of the Year: Soumya Guguloth (East Bengal FC, Forward)
  • Honoured as the top Indian scorer in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) and a key player for the Blue Tigresses. She helped East Bengal FC win the IWL 2024-25 title.
• Men's Goalkeeper of the Year: Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan SG)
  • Awarded for holding the record for the most clean sheets in Indian Super League (ISL) history. Kaith had a record 15 clean sheets in ISL 2024-25 and conceded only 19 goals across 26 appearances
• Most Promising Men's Player of the Year: Brison Fernandes (Midfielder)
  • Noted for his midfield mastery and potential as a rising star.
• Most Promising Women's Player of the Year: Neha (Haryana, Winger)
  • Recognised for her performances, including 2 goals in the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship and 3 goals in the Senior Women’s National Championship.
• Men's Coach of the Year: Khalid Jamil (Jamshedpur FC)
  • Won for the second consecutive year for leading Jamshedpur FC to the Kalinga Super Cup semifinals.
• Women's Coach of the Year: Sujata Kar (Sreebhumi FC)
  • Awarded for guiding newly-promoted Sreebhumi FC to a third-place finish in the IWL.
• Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
  • Acknowledged for consistent officiating on the pitch.
• Female Referee of the Year: Tekcham Ranjita Devi
  • Recognised for her officiating excellence.
• Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
• Male Assistant Referee of the Year: Vairamuthu P

Member Association (MA) Awards

• Most Successful MA (Club Competitions): Indian Football Association (West Bengal)
  • For dominance in men’s competitions, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal winning major titles.
• Most Successful MA (NFC Competitions): All Manipur Football Association
  • Recognised for success in the National Football Championships.
• Best MA for Supporting Women’s Football: Punjab Football Association
  • Honoured for contributions to women’s football development.
• Best MA for Hosting Most AIFF Competitions: Football Association of Odisha and Goa Football Association
  • For hosting numerous AIFF events.
• MA with Most Player Registrations (Men’s): Kerala Football Association
  • For the highest number of male player registrations.
• MA with Most Player Registrations (Women’s): Western India Football Association (Maharashtra)
  • For leading in female player registrations.
• Special Award for MA Launching New Projects: Gujarat State Football Association
  • For innovative football initiatives.
• MA with Most Grassroots Activities: Gujarat State Football Association
  • For extensive grassroots programs.
• MA with Most Youth Tournaments Conducted: Karnataka State Football Association
  • For organising numerous youth tournaments.
• MA with Most Coaching Courses: Punjab Football Association
  • For conducting the most coaching courses.
• MA with Most Refereeing Courses: Gujarat State Football Association
  • For leading in referee training programs.

On a vibrant Saturday evening, April 26, 2025, Mohun Bagan SG’s youthful squad clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 quarter-finals, securing their spot in the semi-finals.

The Mariners, boasting an all-Indian lineup save for Portuguese defender Nuno Reis, showcased their attacking flair with goals from Sahal Abdul Samad in the 22nd minute and Suhail Ahmad Bhat in the 51st. Despite a late strike from Kerala Blasters’ Sreekuttan MS in the 94th minute, Mohun Bagan SG held firm, thanks to a stellar performance by goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem. Bastab Roy’s team now awaits the winner of the FC Goa vs. Punjab FC clash in the semi-final on April 30.

The match kicked off cautiously, with both sides probing without overcommitting. For the first 20 minutes, neither team managed to create clear chances. Then, Mohun Bagan SG sparked the game to life with a moment of brilliance.

Salahudheen Adnan dazzled down the right, weaving past Naocha Singh before delivering a pinpoint cross into the box. Sahal Abdul Samad, with a deft shoulder drop, shook off Ruivah Hormipam and delicately lifted the ball over goalkeeper Sachin Suresh to break the deadlock.

The goal jolted Kerala Blasters into action, and they pushed hard for an equaliser. Noah Sadaoui, fresh off a spectacular long-range goal against East Bengal, tried his luck from distance but sent the ball straight to Dheeraj Singh.

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The Blasters grew threatening from set pieces, particularly short corners. In the 30th minute, Sadaoui’s low cross after a quick one-two with Vibin Mohanan was cleared by Dippendu Biswas. Moments later, Hormipam’s looping cross nearly sneaked into the top corner, only for Dheeraj to tip it over.

Just before halftime, Mohammed Aimen cut in from the left and unleashed a curling shot that sailed narrowly over the bar, leaving the Blasters frustrated.

The second half began with Mohun Bagan SG striking early. In the 47th minute, Sachin Suresh pulled off a stunning save to deny Salahudheen in a one-on-one, but the warning went unheeded. Four minutes later, Ashique Kuruniyan tore down the left, breezed past Hormipam, and rolled a precise pass to Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who calmly slotted it home to double the lead.

From there, the game became the Dheeraj Singh show. Kerala Blasters threw everything forward, but the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper stood tall. Jesús Jiménez squandered two golden opportunities, blasting over the bar in the 65th minute and dragging a shot wide two minutes later. In the 70th minute, Dheeraj denied substitute Kwame Peprah’s angled effort, and with five minutes left, Peprah’s low cross found Jiménez, who couldn’t connect cleanly.

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Dheeraj’s heroics continued as he thwarted Peprah from point-blank range, with Amandeep clearing Ebindas Y’s follow-up off the line. The Blasters finally broke through in stoppage time when Jiménez set up Sreekuttan, who rifled a shot past Dheeraj. But the goal came too late to spark a comeback.

Salahudheen Adnan earned the Kalinga Player of the Match award for his electrifying performance.

A young Mohun Bagan Super Giant will take on Kerala Blasters FC in the first quarter-final of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 on Saturday at 4.30 pm IST. This will be the first time Kerala Blasters FC will play in the final eight of the Super Cup, while the ISL Cup and Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant have already booked their place in the AFC Champions League Two.

Here is everything you need to know about the Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters FC, Kalinga Super Cup quarter-final match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar. 

Match Details

Match: Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters FC, Kalinga Super Cup quarter-final

Date: 26 April 2025

Time: 4.30 pm IST

Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar

How to watch the match?

Football fans from India can watch the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Kerala Blasters FC, Kalinga Super Cup 2025 quarter-final match LIVE on Star Sports 3 TV Channel. Moreover, they can also stream the match LIVE on JioHotstar.

Head-to-head stats: MBSG vs KBFC

Till now, Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters FC have faced each other 10 times. Mohun Bagan SG have always dominated the team from South. The Mariners have won 8 out of 10 games, while Kerala emerged victorious only once. 

One game between these two clubs ended in a draw.

Team News: Mohun Bagan SG 

Since Mohun Bagan Super Giant have already qualified for the AFC Champions League Two, they have decided to send a young team for the Super Cup. After getting a bye in the round of 16 match, Mohun Bagan will play their first match of the tournament against Kerala Blasters FC. 

Bastab Roy will be filling in for Jose Molina as the head coach of the team, while Deepak Tangri, who once started as an academy player for Mohun Bagan, will lead the team in the tournament. Nuno Reis will be the only foreign player in the squad for the Mohun Bagan team.

Indian team stars Sahal Abdul Samad and Ashique Kuruniyan will also be there for the Mariners. 

Pushing harder everyday 💪🏻⚡️#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন #KalingaSuperCup pic.twitter.com/p8txwYRUer

— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) April 23, 2025

MBSG Full squad for the Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Raj Basfore, Nuno Miguel Pereira Reis, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Abhishek Dhananjay Suryavanshi, Sahal Abdul Samad, Muhammed Ashique Kuruniyan, Deepak Tangri, Arsh Anwer Shaikh, Dippendu Biswas, Glan Martins, Amandeep, Shibam Munda, Loitongbam Taison Singh, Leewan Castanha, Sandeep Malik, Saurabh Bhanwala, Leimapokpam Sibajit Singh, Salahudheen Adnan K, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Umer Muhthar K P, Pasang Dorjee Tamang, Ravi Bahadur Rana, Serto Worneilen Kom, Thumsol Tongsin, Priyansh Dubey.

Team News: Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC are coming into the quarter-final for the first time, after defeating defending champion East Bengal by 2-0. New coach David Català, who was brought in to the team just a few weeks before the tournament, will be confident seeing the progress of the team. 

Though Mohun Bagan will have their development side, Catala wants to respect a champion team like Mohun Bagan Super Giant and focus on the strategies for the game. Noah Sadaoui looked threatening from the first minute against East Bengal and will be a key player for the Manjapadas. 

The pairing of Noah Sadaoui with Jesús Jiménez will be a key factor in the matchup against Mohun Bagan, who will have someone like Dippendu Biswas and Glan Martins at the back with tons of ISL experience.

East Bengal FC cemented their status as IWL 2024-25 champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the East Bengal ground on Friday.

Already assured of the title before kickoff, the Red and Golds showcased their supremacy by defeating every team in the league en route to the championship, with all three goals coming in an explosive first half.

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The star of the show was Elshaddai Acheampong, who opened the scoring in the 27th minute. After missing earlier chances, including a header from five yards in the 19th minute, the Ghanaian forward made amends with a clinical finish, chipping the goalkeeper after a deft move past defenders following a pass from Anju Tamang.

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Her poacher’s instinct shone again in the 37th minute, tapping in a cross from Karthika Angamuthu at the back post to double the lead. Minutes before halftime, Soumya Guguloth sealed the rout in the 42nd minute, rounding the keeper to score after a perfectly timed through ball.

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Despite the title already in hand, East Bengal displayed remarkable professionalism, dominating possession and stifling Gokulam from the outset. The second half saw Gokulam mount a brief challenge, testing goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu with a long-range effort, but the champions held firm. This win marked the only team East Bengal had yet to beat this season, completing a flawless campaign.

The victory underscored East Bengal’s dominance throughout the season, blending skill, composure, and relentless attacking play.

For Gokulam, the defeat highlighted their struggle against the league’s top side, as East Bengal celebrated a perfect end to their triumphant IWL 2024-25 journey.