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 here on Wednesday.
Their Group E match against the holders at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Wednesday will be their second match in the AFC Cup, following a goalless draw against Indian Super Cup champions Chennaiyin FC in their opening game.
Not only they struggled on the pitch, Minerva also had issues off the field as they could not get venues to host their home matches.
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 chief minister bore fruit as the state government gave the permission later.
The Punjab-based side will still search for the venues to host their two other group matches -- against Chennaiyin FC (on June 19) and (on June 26).
Minerva coach Sachin Badadhe said his side have come here with good preparation and are fully focused on the AFC Cup fixture.
"We are ready to play in any situation because it is football where you can go through ups and downs. It is part of football and we came here to secure full points," Badadhe was quoted as saying by the local media.
"We have a strong midfield even though we have been working more on attacking and finishing. We studied Abahani and have a clear idea about each of Abahani's players. They (Abahani) secured full points against Manang, so they are a strong side," Badadhe said.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)