If we play as we did in the group stages, we could win: ATK Mohun Bagan’s Joni Kauko on AFC Cup Inter-Zone SF

ATK Mohun Bagan’s midfielder Joni Kauko believes they can win against Kuala Lumpur FC in the inter-zonal semifinal of the AFC Cup if they play as they had done in the group stages. The Mariners suffered a 2-4 loss against I-league champions Gokulam Kerala FC in the opening Group D match of the AFC Cup 2022.

However, the Mariners were able to prove their mettle by beating Bashundhara Kings by 4-0, and then they also defeated Maziya S&RC by 5-2 to top their group.

Thus, ATK Mohun Bagan advanced to the inter-zonal semifinals of the AFC Cup 2022 after winning their last two matches convincingly.

ATK Mohun Bagan will take on the Malaysian club in the inter-zonal semifinal at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday.

The Finnish player admitted that it is going to be a tough game for them and they will need to be at their best.

Kauko said while talking to the media, “It’s going to be a tough game. But we’ve been preparing well and training hard, everyone is giving everything in training. We’re really well prepared for this match and we’ll go out there, give our best and see where it takes us.”

On the other hand, ATK Mohun Bagan had suffered a 6-0 drubbing in the previous season’s inter-zonal semifinal of the AFC Cup against FC Nasaf. Kauko is hopeful of a good show against Kuala Lumpur City FC on this occasion.

He added, “I really hope the result isn’t the same as last year because that was pretty bad. I was in shock after that. It was a horrible game last season. I really hope it won’t be like that again. I’m pretty sure it won’t be the same as last year. The situation is different right now, it’s a different team, a different country and we’re playing at home. Those are the things to speak for us, and I hope we’ll win by the margin of 4-0 this time.”

The midfielder added that it is going to be a challenge for them as Kuala Lumpur FC as the opposition has quality players.

He added, “It’s going to be a challenge. I think they have a lot of quality and they’re a good side. They’re strong in both ends of the pitch, they’re putting a lot of concentration on set-pieces, so we must be careful with that too. They have a lot of good things in their game, but I also feel like if we can keep the same form as we had in the AFC Cup group stages, then we’ll be able to win on Wednesday.”