Mohun Bagan Super Giant endured a disappointing start to their AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 campaign, losing 1-0 to Turkmenistan’s Ahal FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday.
An 83rd-minute strike from Enwer Annayev sealed the win for the visitors, leaving the Indian football club empty-handed from its Group C opener.
Ahal signalled their intent from the outset. Suleyman Mirzoyev found space in just the second minute but skewed wide, while Magtymberdi Berenov and Mirzoyev continued to stretch the Mohun Bagan defence.
The Mariners grew into the contest around the 13th minute when Liston Colaco and Sahal Abdul Samad had efforts blocked in quick succession.
Jason Cummings spurned their best first-half chance, blasting over from inside the box after a neat exchange with Samad.
Mohun Bagan keeper Vishal Kaith was the busier of the two goalkeepers after the restart, denying Berenov twice and producing a big save in the 69th minute when Mirzoyev squared for Berenov at the near post.
Kaith was again at full stretch in the 80th minute to keep out Mirzoyev’s header. At the other end, Samad came close from a counter but dragged his shot wide.
Just when the match seemed destined for a stalemate, Annayev’s finish sealed the points for the visitors.