Let’s examine the performance of Indian clubs in AFC competitions over the years.
India has had representation at the continental level since the late 1960s, with intermittent participation except for a few editions in the early 1990s and 2000s.
Throughout the years, Indian clubs have encountered challenges when competing at the Asian level. Despite a handful of notable campaigns, Indian clubs have generally struggled to leave a significant mark in AFC competitions. What has been India’s standing in Asia? Let’s delve into it.
The AFC Champions League (ACL) and the AFC Cup, as we recognize them today, commenced in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Prior to these rebrands, clubs such as Mysore State, West Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and East Bengal exhibited their prowess at the highest echelons of football in the continent.
Notably, Mysore State was the first Indian team to reach the semifinals of an AFC club competition, achieving this feat in the Asian Club Championship in 1969.
They secured victories in two matches during the group stage, advancing to the knockout rounds as the runners-up from Group A with five points (two points for a win) from four matches. In the semifinals, they faced eventual winners Maccabi Tel Aviv but were defeated 6-1 by the Israeli side.
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History of Indian Clubs In The AFC Cup
In 1970, West Bengal represented India in the AFC competition. However, they only managed to secure one victory in the group stages, failing to advance further. The championship was claimed by Iran’s Esteghlal.
Moving on to 1971, FC Punjab Police was selected by the All India Football Federation to represent the nation. Unfortunately, they couldn’t secure a single victory. In the preliminary round, they suffered an 8-1 defeat to Al Arabi. Alongside Perak FC of Malaysia, they were the only teams in the tournament unable to earn a single point.
In 1985, East Bengal earned the right to represent India after winning the Federation Cup. Despite winning all five matches in the qualification round, they were eliminated in the group stages, losing both encounters.
The year 1987 saw Mohun Bagan taking the spotlight at the continental stage. Despite a commendable effort in the qualification stage, they couldn’t advance to the final round, finishing second behind the formidable Al Rasheed.
In 1988-89, Mohun Bagan once again participated in the Asian Club Championship. This time, they won all matches in the qualification round to progress. However, in the final round against stronger opponents, they not only lost all matches but also failed to score a single goal.
In the 1989-90 edition, Salgaocar SC made their inaugural Asian appearance but exited early during the qualification stages.
For the next three editions, no Indian team participated in the Asian Club Championship.
In 1994-95, Mohun Bagan represented India once more. Despite an unbeaten run in the group stages, they were eliminated in the subsequent round by Thai Farmers Bank FC. However, a plague threat in India led to the cancellation of the return leg, resulting in Mohun Bagan’s expulsion from the competition. Although they were fined $3000 and initially banned from AFC competitions for three years, the ban was later rescinded.
The following year 1995-96, Mohun Bagan made another appearance but was eliminated in the first round by Club Valencia from the Maldives, despite winning the first leg.
In 1996-97, JCT made their debut, securing a tie-breaker victory against New Road Team from Nepal but faltering against New Radiant FC from the Maldives in the second round.
In 1997-98, Churchill Brothers represented India but were swiftly eliminated by Dong Thap from Vietnam in the opening round.
East Bengal returned to the competition in 1998-99 but faced a formidable opponent in Dalian Wanda from China, resulting in their elimination after conceding six goals over two legs.
In 1999-2000, Mohun Bagan made their fifth appearance, progressing past Muktijodha Sangsad but succumbing to a heavy defeat against Jubilo Iwata from Japan.
Once again, in the subsequent two editions, India had no representatives.
In 2002-03, both Mohun Bagan and Churchill Brothers were knocked out in the qualification round of the rebranded AFC Champions League.
In 2004, East Bengal and Mahindra United participated in the inaugural AFC Cup. While Mahindra United exited in the group stage, East Bengal reached the quarterfinals.
In 2005, Dempo and East Bengal competed in the AFC Cup, but both failed to advance beyond the group stage.
The pattern continued in 2006, with Dempo and Mahindra United exiting at the group stage.
In 2007, Mahindra United reached the quarterfinals of the AFC Cup, while Mohun Bagan failed to progress beyond the group stage.
In 2008, Dempo reached the semifinals, while East Bengal was eliminated in the group stage.
In 2009, Dempo was eliminated in the AFC Champions League playoffs and reached the Round of 16 in the AFC Cup, while Mohun Bagan struggled in the group stage.
In 2010, Churchill Brothers and East Bengal participated, with the former reaching the Round of 16 in the AFC Cup, while the latter failed to progress from the group stage.
In 2011, Dempo and East Bengal exited early from the AFC Champions League, while Mohun Bagan faced a similar fate in the AFC Cup.
In 2012, Salgaocar and East Bengal were eliminated in the group stage of the AFC Cup.
In 2013, Churchill Brothers reached the semifinals of the AFC Cup, while Dempo was unable to participate due to stadium issues.
In 2014, Pune FC and Churchill Brothers competed in the AFC Cup, with the latter reaching the Round of 16.
In 2015, Bengaluru FC participated in the AFC Champions League but was knocked out in the preliminary round, while Dempo and East Bengal exited in the AFC Cup group stage.
In 2016, Mohun Bagan reached the preliminary round 2 of the AFC Champions League but was eliminated, while Bengaluru FC made history by reaching the AFC Cup final.
In 2017, Bengaluru FC was eliminated in the AFC Champions League preliminary round, while Dempo progressed to the Inter-zone play-off finals in the AFC Cup.
In 2018, Aizawl FC exited early from the AFC Champions League, while Bengaluru FC reached the Inter-Zonal semi-final in the AFC Cup.
In 2019, Minerva Punjab and Chennaiyin FC failed to progress from the group stage in their respective competitions.
In 2020, Chennai City FC and Bengaluru FC were eliminated from the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup, respectively.
In 2021, FC Goa made its AFC Champions League debut, finishing third in the group stage, while ATK Mohun Bagan reached the knockout stages of the AFC Cup.
