Can Mohun Bagan qualify for AFC Cup Knockout rounds?

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Mohun Bagan's AFC Cup knockout qualifications have taken a huge hit after their 2-5 defeat at the hands of Odisha FC on Monday (November 27).

Juan Ferrando's team took a humbling at the Salt Lake Stadium as the Kalinga Warriors dismantled them. Roy Krishna, one of Mohun Bagan's old boys had a superb outing as he scored one and provided two goals to give Odisha a huge boost.

With the defeat, the scenario for the Mariners has taken a sour turn. The Mariners were leading Group D at the halfway stage. But consecutive defeats mean they are now sitting 3rd in the group, three points off from leaders Bashundhara Kings.

AFC Cup Group D Points

In Group D, Mohun Bagan have seven points after five matches. Maziya are already eliminated with 3 points after five matches. Odisha FC sitting 2nd with 9 points after five matches, whereas Bashundhara Kings lead with 10 points. With one game to go for the teams, here is how the qualification scenario looks.

Can Mohun Bagan qualify for AFC Cup knockouts?

Out of the four clubs, only one team will qualify for the AFC Cup knockouts from Group D. The team finishing top will be heading for the Inter Zone semi-finals and the other three teams will be eliminated.

Mohun Bagan will play their final group-stage match against Maziya. Hence if the Mariners win, they will be on 10 points, same as the Bashundhara Kings. And if the Bangladeshi club lose their final group stage match, they will also remain on 10 points.

But if Bashundhara Kings lose, in that case, Odisha FC will be finishing with 12 points and thus qualify for the inter-zone semifinals with a top-place finish. On the other hand, a victory or draw for Bashundhara Kings will take the Dhaka outfit to the knockout stages.

Hence, Mohun Bagan have no chance of qualification for the AFC Cup knockouts this season.

But Odisha FC do have a massive opportunity now. If the Juggernauts beat Bashundhara Kings on the final matchday, they will be through to the knockout stages.