Kuala Lumpur: After Groups D, E and I hit the midway point of the 2017 AFC Cup Group Stage two weeks ago, the sides from the Central, South and East Zones return to action on Wednesday.
Only the table-toppers will advance to the Inter-zone semi-finals, leaving it all to play for as the groups move towards the business end of proceedings.
Group D
Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol and Altyn Asyr of Turkmenistan can eliminated their respective opponents, Kyrgyz Republic duo FC Alay and Dordoi FC, if they each claim victories in Group D on Wednesday.
Istiklol top the standings by virtue of goal difference from Altyn Asyr and have Romish Dzhalilov back from suspension for the trip to Osh, while the hosts welcome back Murolimzhon Akhmedov for a game they realistically must win to have any chance of progression.
Altyn Asyr are hot on the trail of Istiklol and a second successive win over Dordoi would leave top spot in their hands with a trip to Istiklol still to come.
FC Alay (KGZ) v FC Istiklol (TJK)
Venue: Akhmatbek Suyinbaev Stadium, Osh
Kick-off: May 3, 16:00 UTC+5
Altyn Asyr (TKM) v Dordoi FC (KGZ)
Venue: Sport Toplumy, Balkanabat
Kick-off: May 3, 17:00 UTC+5
Group E
Group E leaders JSW Bengaluru of India will aim to stay at least three points clear at the top of the standings when they travel to bottom side Abahani Limited Dhaka of Bangladesh, while second-placed Maziya Sports and Recreation of the Maldives can oust Mohun Bagan by claiming successive victories over the Indian side.
Last year’s AFC Cup runners-up Bengaluru, who welcome back Cameron Watson and Sandesh Jhingan from suspension, have won three from three and look favourites to advance but Maziya will be breathing down their necks should they slip up. Abahani, meanwhile, will exit if they don't win.
Maziya’s surprise 1-0 win in Kolkata two weeks ago leaves the Maldivian side three points clear of their opponents in second place, but Milos Kovacevic is suspended for the reverse fixture. After two defeats from three the hosts find themselves in a perilous position and desperately need a win to keep any realistic qualification hopes alive.
Maziya Sports & Recreation (MDV) V Mohun Bagan (IND)
Venue: National Stadium, Male
Kick-off: May 3, 16:00 UTC+5
Abahani Limited Dhaka (BAN) v JSW Bengaluru (IND)
Venue: Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka
Kick-off: May 3, 18:10 UTC+6
Group I
The top two sides in Group I go head-to-head in the second successive Pyongyang derby between Kigwancha SC and 4.25 SC after the sides played out a 1-1 draw two weeks ago.
The teams are level on four points apiece after two games in the three-team group and a win for either would eliminate bottom side Erchim FC with each still having to play the Mongolian outfit.
Hosts Kigwancha welcome back Ri Thong-il from suspension for what is likely to be the decisive match in Group I, although a draw would keep Erchim’s slim hopes of advancing alive.
Kigwancha SC (PRK) v 4.25 SC (PRK)
Venue: Kim II Sung Stadium, Pyongyang
Kick-off: May 3, 15:00 UTC+8:30
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com