Krishna’s ATK Mohun Bagan thrashed
The Roy Krishna captained ATK Mohun Bagan’s AFC Cup campaign ended in a 6-0 hammering by host outfit FC Nasaf in the inter-zonal play-off semi-final at the Qarshi Markazi stadium, Uzbekistan yesterday.
The defeat equals the side’s worst performance in the AFC Cup against Al Kuwait back in 2009. The Kuwaiti side went on to be the champion.
The 34-year-old striker said that it was a tough match as they just could not function away from home.
“It was a very difficult match. FC Nasaf played well and they deserved the win. They came with match fitness and are in the middle of their season so they were better prepared while we had just assembledd ourselves just the month before,” Krishna told SUNSports yesterday.
“Having home ground advantage was also positive for them. It wasn’t our night but we come away with some good memories from this AFC campaign having reached the semi finals.”
He added that this has been a very good learning experience for their boys.
“I think going into the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) with this experience in AFC is helpful. It was great to also play in front of a packed stadium even though the cheers were for our opponents,” he said.
“We’ve missed playing to a crowd as we last played to a home crowd more than 18 months ago,” he said.
“Overall the AFC Cup campaign has been an interesting experience which has taught us a lot and has motivated us to do even better.”
The ISL heavyweights conceded five goals in the first half which included an own goal from defender Pritam Kotal followed by a hattrick by Khusayin Norchaev. Oybek Bozorov scored at the stroke of breather while substitute Donier Narzullaev added to ATK Mohun Bagan’s miseries.
ATK Mohun Bagan’s first game in the 2021-22 Hero ISL on November 19, against Kerala Blasters FC at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa.
Hero ISL 2011champions FC Nasaf face Hong Kong’s Lee Man in the inter-zonal play-off finals ahead of the AFC Cup final.