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Xtra Time Web Desk: ATK Mohun Bagan will kick start its AFC Cup campaign on June 30, according to the revised schedule announced by the Asian Football Confederation on Thursday. The postponed Group D (South Zone) matches are set to begin next month.

Antonio Habas’ side are set to open their campaign against the winners of the playoff match between another Indian club Bengaluru FC and Maldives’ Eagles FC on June 30. ATK Mohun Bagan’s next group league ties are against Maziya Sports Recreation club of Maldives on July 3 and Bashundhara Kings on July 06.

The AFC was forced to postpone the matches earlier when Bengaluru FC allegedly flouted the existing Covid-19 protocols after landing up in Maldives before the start of the tournament. The matches were originally scheduled to be held in Maldives capital Male from May 14-21. The postponement, however, came as a blessing in disguise for the Kolkata outfit as they were struggling to put up a team then. With travel restrictions across the world, Spanish coach Antonio Habas was unsure about getting the service of their foreign recruits, while two of the Indian players Prabir Das and Sheikh Sahil tested positive for Covid-19 before leaving for Maldives.

The AFC had not mentioned anything about the venue though. It was learnt that any of the participating teams interested in holding the group league matches at home, can bid for that by May 26.