Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) will kick off their AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 campaign at home on September 16, when they take on Turkmenistan’s FK Ahal at the Salt Lake Stadium. This will be Ahal’s sixth appearance in a continental competition, having previously featured in the top-tier AFC Champions League Elite. Earlier this year, the Turkmen side secured qualification for the second-tier competition by defeating Tajikistan’s Regar-TadAZ 2-1 in the play-offs.
There is limited information available about FK Ahal’s current squad and style of play, but Kolkata fans are not entirely unfamiliar with Turkmen clubs. East Bengal have faced sides from Turkmenistan on two occasions in recent years — Arkadag in the AFC Challenge League quarterfinals and Altyn Asyr in the qualifying play-offs of the same competition. Still, Mohun Bagan will be wary of underestimating Ahal, who arrive with continental pedigree and tactical discipline.
Drawn in Group C, FK Ahal are arguably the least formidable challenge for Mohun Bagan compared to group rivals Al Hussein (Jordan) and Sepahan FC (Iran). Yet, the Mariners will know that the Turkmen side have the quality to make life difficult if taken lightly.
Ahal FK: Domestic Success and Continental Rise
Founded in 1989 and based in Änew, Turkmenistan, Ahal FK have been a consistent force in their domestic league, the Ýokary Liga. The club clinched their maiden league title in 2022 and have finished runners-up on seven occasions, most recently in the 2024 season. They have also lifted the Turkmenistan Cup four times.
On the continental stage, Ahal have steadily grown in stature. Their recent qualification for the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two came courtesy of a 2-1 play-off win over FC Regar-TadAZ. The club play their home matches at the 20,000-capacity Ashgabat Stadium, a venue that has often proved to be a fortress. With a mix of domestic dominance and increasing continental exposure, Ahal represent an ambitious challenger in Asian football.
Key Players to Watch
Ahal FK’s squad is entirely composed of local talent, featuring six Turkmenistan national team players. The attack is led by experienced winger Elman Tagayev, one of the club’s most prolific scorers in continental football. Complementing him is right-back Hakmuhammet Bashimov, a versatile defender known for his attacking overlaps and assists in the 2023-24 AFC Champions League.
Other key figures include left-back Alibek Abdurakhmanov, attacking midfielder Gurban Annayev, and veteran goalkeeper Gurbanmyrat Garayev, who provides a steady last line of defence. The club also boasts promising young talent in 20-year-old winger Magtymberdi Berenov, whose pace and flair could trouble Mohun Bagan’s backline.
Playing Style
Ahal FK are known for their discipline and resilience. They generally deploy a flexible defensive system, operating with three defenders during transitions into attack, and reverting to a compact five-man defence when under pressure. Their wing-backs are key to both phases, offering width going forward and solidity at the back.
Several Ahal players have experience in the physically demanding Uzbek league, which adds toughness and endurance to their game. Offensively, they thrive on sharp counter-attacks, often ceding possession but striking decisively through quick transitions.
Their 2023-24 AFC Champions League campaign highlighted this balance. Against strong opponents such as Pakhtakor, Al Ain, and Al Fayha, Ahal conceded just 12 goals in six matches while scoring seven. Notable results included a 1-0 win over Al Fayha, a 1-1 draw with Pakhtakor, and a narrow 1-2 loss to eventual champions Al Ain.
Climate Factor and Acclimatization
The Ahal province in Turkmenistan experiences a desert climate, with daytime temperatures around 32°C and dropping to 21°C at night. Kolkata, meanwhile, is currently hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 29°C to 33°C but often feeling warmer due to high humidity and overcast skies.
FK Ahal are scheduled to arrive in Kolkata just past midnight at 12:30 am on Saturday, giving themselves three full days to acclimatise to the conditions before their crucial opener on Tuesday night.
The Road Ahead
For Mohun Bagan, the fixture against Ahal FK offers an opportunity to begin their campaign on the front foot. However, the Mariners will be mindful of the Turkmen side’s counter-attacking strengths and disciplined defensive shape. Ahal may not boast the star power of their group rivals, but their tactical cohesion and continental experience make them a potential banana skin for the Kolkata giants.
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