In AFC Cup 2022, the inability to convert chances and keep clean sheets were the early diagnosis that emerged from ATK Mohun Bagan's Durand Cup exit. And in their AFC Cup inter zonal semi-final against Kuala Lumpur City.

The Malaysian side exploited those failings clinically, picking on Bagan's vulnerable underbelly to win 3-1 and knock their more fancied opponents out of the competition for the second time from the zonal last four stage in successive seasons.

Bagan coach Juan Ferrando appeared worldly wise about his team's failings, but was unable to plug those weakness. His team neither could score at will nor keep KL City at bay and at the end had only a superior ball possession count to show for their efforts.

In his pre-match chat, Ferrando had insisted on having a 'score more than the opponent' approach.

But his team selection bordered on caution, opting for two new overseas centrebacks in Brandon Hamill and Florentin Pogba, in place of another new signing Aussie striker Dimitri Petratos. Influential playmaker Hugo Boumous was also left out as creative responsibilities were bestowed on Joni Kauko.

The Finnish star circulated the ball at good pace, shifted back and forth in the penalty zone and snatched the ball back when Bagan lost possession.

Liston Colaco twisted, turned, ran at defenders with good pace, attempted long rangers and overhead kicks. But couldn't create that genuine opening.

Hence, despite unrestrained ball possession, multiple corners and free-kicks and virtually playing in the KL City half, they couldn't unlock their disciplined opponents.

In AFC Cup 2022 inter-zonal semi-final, Bagan began the second half in the same vein they did the first, winning a couple of corners within five minutes of the resumption. Their floated deliveries, though, didn't find the heads of any green and maroon players.

They picked up pace of their build-up play, which was a tad too slow in the first session.

Yet it was KL City who broke the deadlock, very much against the run of play. Playmaker Paulo Josue, who was identified as one of KL City's dangermen, was largely silent. But just at the stroke of the hour mark, he sprang to life, unleashing a booming left footer on a stray ball from outside the box that swerved away from the gloves of Vishal Kaith, who till then had to hardly collect the ball.

The goal only added pressure on Bagan to deliver up front and played into the hands of KL City, who remained content to play on the counter and let Bagan move the ball around in the midfield zone. Within five minutes of scoring, KL City coach Bojan Hodak made three substitutions that made amply clear his intention to protect the lead.

It is when KL City broke quickly on the break, highlighting Bagan's vulnerability at the back that it became clear why Ferrando started with two defenders instead of their new striker, who has only trained with the team for a week.

But the match being a knock out game, they needed goals, even at the cost of being exposed at the back. In that mission, Ferrando brought on Asish Rai and Fardin Ali Mollah in place of defenders Pritam Kotal and Brendan Hamill respectively. Ferrando would have a lot of explaining to do why he resisted temptations of bringing on Petratos and Boumous in his quest for goals.

As Bagan knocked on the door of KL City and were denied time and again, it looked all lost for the home side till Mollah banged in from close range after a stray ball landed on his path in the first minute of added time.

With six minutes awarded by the referee as injury time, ATK Mohun Bagan were expected to throw the kitchen sink in search of the winner.

Instead, they fell apart at the back, unable to mark Fakrul Aiman bin Sidid moments after equalising as he nodded in a free-kick as from within a host of players. Romel Morales then gleefully guided the ball home in the 95th minute after Subasish Roy Chowdhury committed hara-kiri while trying to pass his way out of trouble.

According to some reports, fans presented in the stadium were forcibly stopped by the present police from chanting "Mohun Bagan" and "Mohun Bagan" tifos, and banners were taken off or not allowed to be displayed by the present law enforcement or stadium police.

In the inter zone final KL City would travel to Uzbekistan to face Sogdiana Jizzakh on October 5.

For more AFC Cup 2022, follow Sportz Point.

In a team where there is a World Cupper, a player who played in Euros, 7-8 Indian Football team stars and what not; Dimitri Petratos was not under the spotlight when Mohun Bagan Super Giant started defending the ISL title this season. But, with his presence, remarkable fighting spirit and consistent performances, Dimitri Petratos is now the saviour for the millions of Mohun Bagan fans in India.

With 16 contributions already in 24 games this season, Dimitri Petratos is the man for the tough times for one of the most high-profile teams of Indian Football.

Also Read: East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Head to Head Stats

Dimi and big games | A match made for Mohun Bagan

Since joining the Kolkata Giants back in the 2022-23 season, Dimitri till now has played 50 games for Mohun Bagan Super Giant and scored 23 goals for them along with assisting 12 times. But, his significance in the team does not lie in his stats. In fact, his significance lies in the moments he has created chances for Mohun Bagan or contributed for them in demanding times.

Take an example of the Durand Cup Final against East Bengal this season. Mohun Bagan after losing the first Kolkata Derby in the same tournament, fans were demanding revenge, on the same turf they had suffered the defeat. Dimitri had not scored a goal till then in the tournament. But, Dimitri stepped up when his team needed him the most. A goal in the 71st minute and Mohun Bagan had their first trophy of the season.

Dimitri's habit of scoring in big games came to the rescue for Mohun Bagan when he saved the Mariners from their second Kolkata derby defeat of the season in Kolkata. In front of nearly 60000 fans in Kolkata, Dimitri provided joy for the fans scoring in the 87th minute of the match to make it 2-2 at Salt Lake Stadium.

Also Read: East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: 7 Top Coaches To Coach Both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan successfully

After drawing against East Bengal and winning against Hyderabad FC, Habas' men had to prove their metal against one of the strongest teams in FC Goa. Petratos again stepped up with a 74th-minute strike to hand the Mariners an important win in the Indian Super League 2023-24 season.

Not to forget, Dimitri scored three goals in three games in AFC Cup this season and it was his absence that made them suffer in the later part of the group stage.

Dimitri Petratos Stats in important games for Mohun Bagan Super Giant

ISL 2023-23 Home Game vs FC Goa | 1 Goal and 1 Assist to help Mohun Bagan win by 2-1

ISL 2023-23 QFs vs Odisha FC | 58th goal to increase the lead to 2-0

ISL 2022-23 Final vs Bengaluru FC | Two goals for Mohun Bagan from Penlaty to take the game to shootouts

Durand Cup 2023 Final | Goal in 71st minute to help Mohun Bagan win by 1-0

AFC Cup 2023-24 Group Stage | 29th-minute goal to give Mohun Bagan the early lead in a game that ended in a 2-2 draw

ISL 2023-24 vs East Bengal | 87th-minute goal to help Mohun Bagan draw the game 2-2

ISL 2023-24 vs FC Goa | 74th-minute goal to help Mohun Bagan win the game by 1-0

Including these games, Dimitri Petratos so far has scored 8 match-winning goals for Mohun Bagan when the team was losing the game.

Dimitri Petratos stats by season

2022-23 | 26 Games, 12 Goals, 7 Assists

2023-24 so far | 24 Games, 11 Goals, 5 Assists

Dimitri Petratos Stats by Competitions

Indian Super League | 31 Games, 15 Goals, 8 Assists

ISL Play-Offs | 4 Games, 3 Goals, 0 Assists

Super Cup | 6 Games, 1 Goal, 1 Assist

Durand Cup | 5 Games, 1 Goal, 0 Assists

AFC Cup Qualifiers | 1 Game, 0 goals, 2 Assists

AFC Cup | 3 Games, 3 Goals, 1 Assists

Dimitri Petratos Overall Stats for Mohun Bagan | 50 Games, 23 Goals, 12 Assists

The year 2024 is going to be very busy for Indian players. The month of January is very important in view of the AFC Asian Cup to be held from January 10. From ICC U-19 Men's World Cup in cricket to Women's Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in hockey, Indian players will be seen in many tournaments. Here's a rundown of all the events in Indian sports calendar January 2024 in which the Indian athletes are likely to participate.

Also Read: T20 leagues in 2024

Indian Sports Calendar January 2024: Full schedule, dates, events

Badminton

• January 9-14: Malaysia Open

• January 18-21: India Open

• January 23-28: Indonesia Masters

Cricket

• December 10-7 January: Indian Men's Team tour of SA (Ongoing)

• January 11-17: Afghanistan tour of India

• January 25-11 March: England tour of India

Also Read: Indian Cricket schedule in 2024

Fenching

• January 11-13: Foil World Cup

• January 12-14: Sabre Grand Prix

• January 29-31: Epee Grand Prix

Football

• January 10-12 February: AFC Men's Asian Cup

• September 2023-March: Indian Super League

Also Read: Indian Football Team schedule for AFC Asian Cup and World Cup Qualifiers in 2024

Handball

January 11-25: Asian Men's Handball Championships

Hockey

• January 13-19: FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers

• January 24-27: FIH Men's Hockey 5s World Cup

• January 28-31: FIH Women's Hockey 5s World Cup

Sailing

• January 3-10: ILCA 6 World Championships

• January 24-31: ILCA 7 World Championships

Shooting

• January 18: Asian Shooting Championships Rifle/Pistol

• January 12-23: Asian Shotgun Championships

• January 24-1 February: Shooting World Cup

Table Tennis

• January 8-13: WTT Star Contender, Doha

• January 14-20: WTT Contender, Doha

• January 23-18: WTT Star Contender, Goa

Tennis

January 14-28: Australian Open

Indian football has been growing rapidly in the last few years and the Sunil Chhetri-led side will enter the 2024 calendar year with an incredible performance, immense support and improvement in the year 2023. Indian Football Team schedule will resume with the AFC Asian Cup and World Cup Qualifiers and is looking ahead for a defining 2024 footballing year.

Also Read: India announces 26-member squad for AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023

Notably, the year holds significance for the Indian National football team following their historic three-title triumph in 2023. This exceptional feat not only brought home silverware but also created enduring memories, highlighting the sport's growing influence and promising future in India.

Indian Football Team schedule in 2024

AFC Asian Cup

• India vs Australia - January 13, 5:00 PM

• India vs Uzbekistan - January 18, 8:00 PM

• India vs Syria - January 23, 5:00 PM

India are geared up for the AFC Asian Cup 2024, scheduled to be held in Doha from January 12. This marks India's second consecutive participation in the continental competition after the 2019 edition.

India will face Australia in the AFC Asian Cup on January 13. The Blue Tigers have been drawn in Group B along with Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria. After this, India will face Uzbekistan on 18 January and Syria on 23 January.

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

• India vs Afghanistan - March 21

• India vs Afghanistan - March 26

• India vs Kuwait - June 6

• India vs Qatar - June 11

Keeping in mind the biggest mission of Indian football, the Blue Tigers will resume their conquest for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in the month of March. The AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers will also take place in the same month. India will face Afghanistan in two respective home and away matches on March 21 and March 26. Travel for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will resume in June with qualifiers against Kuwait on June 6 and powerful Qatar on June 11.

Also Read: Best Campaigns of Indian Clubs in the AFC Cup

The new season of Indian football will resume from the month of July with the Durand Cup and ISL as Indian football looks forward to a decisive 2024 football year.

East Bengal had an unbeaten run until the semi-finals of the AFC Cup in 2013. East Bengal have made the most number of appearances (eight) in the AFC Cup since 2004. Bengaluru FC and Dempo Sports Club have participated in four and five editions of the AFC Cup respectively. Dempo were the first club to reach the semifinal of the AFC Cup in 2008, while Bengaluru are the only Indian club to reach the final of the competition in 2016.

Also Read: Girona's fairytale run in the La Liga 2023-24; New kings of Catalonia

Top Five Campaigns of Indian Clubs in the AFC Cup

East Bengal (2004) & Mahindra United (2007) - Quarterfinal

East Bengal reached the quarterfinal of the first-ever edition of the AFC Cup in 2004 by winning the National Football League in 2002-03. The Red and Gold Brigade topped their group by winning four of the six matches but lost 3-0 in a two-legged quarterfinal against Al-Jaish.

Mahindra United reached the last-eight stage of the AFC Cup in 2007. They finished second in their group behind Singapore Armed Forces FC and then lost to Al-Nejmeh 4-5 in a two-legged quarterfinal.

Bengaluru FC (2017) - Inter-zone play-off Final

After making it to the final of the AFC Cup in 2016, Bengaluru FC reached the inter-zone play-off final in 2017.They topped the group stage and got the better of DPR Korea's April 25 SC by 3-0 over two legs. However, they lost in the play-off final against Tajikistan's Football Club Istiklol 3-2 over two legs and failed to make it to the final for the second time in a row.

East Bengal (2013) - Semifinal

East Bengal became the second Indian club to reach the semifinal of the AFC Cup. They qualified for the competition by winning the Federation Cup in 2012. The Red and Gold Brigade topped the group stage and reached the round of 16. They thrashed Myanmar's Yangon United 5-1 in a one-legged tie and then defeated Indonesia's Semen Padang 2-1 in a two-legged quarterfinal. Unfortunately, they lost to eventual champions Al-Kuwait SC 7-2 over two legs in the semifinal.

Dempo SC (2008) - Semifinal

Dempo were the first Indian club to reach the semifinal of the AFC Cup in 2008. They qualified for the competition after winning the National Football League in the 2006-07 season. Dempo finished second in the group stage and reached the quarterfinal where they had to defeat Singapore's Home United 5-4 in a two-legged affair to reach the semifinal. Ultimately, they lost to Lebanon's Safa Sports Club 5-1 in the semifinal.

Bengaluru FC (2016) - Final

Bengaluru FC are the only Indian club to reach the final of the AFC Cup in 2016. They qualified into the competition by winning the Federation Cup in the 2014-15 season. In the group stage, they finished second behind Johor Darul Ta'zim. In the round of 16, they defeated Hong Kong's Kitchee Sports Club 3-2 and then got the better of Singapore's Tampines Rovers 1-0 over two legs. In the semifinal, they beat Johor Darul 4-2 in a two-legged tie to create history. Unfortunately, in the final, they lost to Iraq's Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya 1-0.

Mohun Bagan (2022) - Inter-zone play-off semi-final

The previous edition of the AFC Cup was played under the veil of the bio-bubble, with Group D held in Kolkata. The Green and Maroons faced Bashundhara, Maziya S&RC, and Gokulam Kerala FC. Starting with a 2-4 defeat at the hands of Gokulam Kerala, Mohun Bagan made a comeback and won their remaining matches to finish at the top of the group.

Their Inter-zone play-off semi-final against Kuala Lumpur City (Malaysia) was an absolute thriller. ATK Mohun Bagan thought nearly took the match into extra time when Fardin Ali Molla scored a 90th-minute equaliser. Fakrul Aiman Sidid and Romel Morales scored in injury time for Kuala Lumpur to snatch the match away from the Green and Maroons and Mohun Bagan's journey came to an end.

Odisha FC defeated Mohun Bagan Super Giant by 2-5 in the AFC Cup 2023/24 Group-D fixture to eliminate the mariners from the tournament. Roy Krishna, Diego Mauricio, CY Goddard, Aniket Jadhav and Isak Ralte were the scorers for the Juggernauts in Kolkata. With this win, they are now at second position in the points table and their last match against Bashudhara Kings will decide who will go through from the group stage to the knockouts.

"Crucial three points:" Sergio Lobera

While reflecting on the game, Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera mentioned that this was crucial three points for them since this gives them an opportunity to finish as the group toppers and represent India in the AFC Cup knockouts. Lobera sounded proud and delighted in the post-match press conference but definitely knows that a big awaits for them against Bashundhara Kings later in December.

"Crucial three points. I'm very happy with the team. They did an amazing job today. We played against a very good team, probably the best team in India currently. To Score five goals, away, against Mohan Bagan is a big achievement. It is in our hands in the very next game to finish top on the table. I'm very happy with the three points," Sergio Lobera told the media after the match.

Roy Krishna, who was the most valuable player of the Mohun Bagan vs Odisha FC match with one goal and two assists, echoed the thoughts of the coach. However, the former Mohun Bagan striker did not forget to greet the Bengali media with some greetings in Bengali beforehand.

"Of course we didn't start very well but we showed character to come back against a team like Mohan Bagan, one of the favourites in the group," Roy Krishna told the post-match press conference.

Also Read: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Odisha FC: The Juggernauts beat Mariners by 5-2 to knock them out of the AFC Cup 2023-24

"My players have a lot of things to win trophies:" Sergio Lobera

Talking about the challenges ahead, Sergio Lobera mentioned that his team has all the ingredients to beat any team on a given day and can bring down any team with a tough fight and character. Moreover, Lobera feels although it will be a very tough game against Bashundhara Kings, when he sees players like Roy Krishna and others in the dressing room, it makes his job easier.

"We are excited about these big challenges. As a coach when you are going back to the dressing room and have the opportunity to work with players like them, I feel confident. They play very good football but also they show character, they show mental strength. My players have a lot of things to win trophies they deserve to go ahead in this competition," Lobera expressed.

Also Read: "Honestly, we lost the position when we lost against Bashundhara," Juan Ferrando reflects on AFC Cup journey

"I prefer to win 5-4 than 1-0:" Sergio Lobera reveals his secrets of big scores

Since the 2017/18 season, every team Sergio Lobera coach have finished at the goal-scoring chart in the Indian Super League. FC Goa three times and Mumbai City FC once in the last five seasons have topped the chart in goal scoring in the Indian Super League.

With 11 goals in six games in this season, Lobera's men are leading the chart again. Talking about his secrets, Lobera mentioned that he prefers taking care of the fans who loves to see goals at stadiums. Rather than playing a boring kind of football, he loves to take risks and go for more goals which is good for football in everyday.

"This is my fifth year in ISL, working in India. I believe this kind of football is the best way to win. I have the profile of a player to play this kind of football. We need to score goals. I think it's very important to take care of the supporters. We need to take risks. We need to try to score goals. I hope the fans are enjoying this kind of football. In my case I prefer to win 5-4 than 1-0. I feel its good for the football its good for the supporters," Lobera replied when Sportz Point asked him about his secrets in the post-match press conference.