Kolkata: Over the years, Indian clubs like East Bengal, Dempo, Mohun Bagan have plied their trade in the Asian Championships. With the tournament commencing in 2004 highest appearances have been made by East Bengal who have made as many as eight appearances in the tournament. Their most successful stint has been in 2013 when the Red and Gold Brigade have made it to the semifinals winning all their games in the group stage and being unbeaten. However an unfortunate 7-2 loss at the hands of Al-Kuwait over two legs ended their record.
Arch-rivals Mohun Bagan has also made around 5 appearances in the tournament, virtue of winning the Federation Cup, however the team has failed to make a mark in the tournament failing to qualify beyond round of 16. However, after merging with ATK, ATK Mohun Bagan reached until the Inter-zonal semifinal where they were ousted by FC Nasaf with a score line of 6-0.
Vintage teams like Dempo have also had a great campaign at AFC Cup. Appearing as many as six seasons, Dempo’s most successful has been in 2008 when the Goan outfit where rendered out by SAFA FC in the Semifinals. Mahindra United has also made some significant appearances reaching quarterfinals twice out of their three campaigns.
In terms of journey, Bengaluru FC could be termed as the most successful club in the AFC Cup as the southern side were the first Indian side to reach the finals of the tournament in 2016 where they lost narrowly by a sole goal to Al-Quwa Al-Jawaiya. In all Bengaluru FC made six appearances, their latest being 2021 where they were ousted being the third in the Group stages.
Other Indian teams like Salgaocar, Aizwal, Minerva Punjab and Churchill Brothers have made their appearances in the Championship along with Indian Super League outfits like Pune City FC, Chennaiyin FC. However, Gokulam Kerala will be making their debut appearance in 2022 where they have been placed in the Group D along with ATK Mohun Bagan who are making their second appearance and Bangladesh Premier league winner Basundhara Kings and Maldives local team Maziya, who have plied their trade previously as well.
