Minerva look for first AFC Cup victory

Dhaka, April 16 

Issues related to the non-availability of their home match venues sorted for the time being, former I-league champions Minerva Punjab would look to notch up their maiden win in the AFC Cup when they take on Abahani Limited Dhaka here tomorrow. Minerva qualified for the AFC Cup on the basis of winning the 2017-18 I-League but they had a forgettable outing in the just-concluded season, finishing second from bottom with only four wins from 19 matches.

Their Group E match against the Bangladesh Premier League holders will be their second match in the AFC Cup, following a goalless draw against Chennaiyin FC.

Not only did they struggle on the pitch, Minerva also had issues off the field as they could not get venues to host their home matches. 

The Odisha Government withdrew its initial permission to allow Minerva to host their May 1 ‘home’ match against Manang Marshyangdi Club of Nepal at Kalinga Stadium. Minerva’s request to the state CM bore fruit as the state government gave the permission later.

The Punjab-based side are still searching for the venues to host their two other group matches — against Chennaiyin FC (on June 19) and Abahani Limited Dhaka (on June 26). — PTI