#4 Mahindra United (2007) – Quarterfinals
The Jeepmen were fresh of dominating the 2005/06 edition of the National Football League, where they produced some stunning football to thus earn their place in the 2007 AFC Cup. Given that Mahindra United had never managed to get past the group stages in two previous attempts (2004 and 2006), there wasn’t much pressure placed on the Mumbai based club to succeed.
However, MU were drawn with Singapore Armed Forces FC, Happy Valley of Hong Kong and Maldivian side New Radiant in Group E. With Steven Dias pulling the strings from midfield, Mahindra United’s frontline of Ghanaian stars Yusif Yakubu and Andrews Pomeyie Mensah thrived, scoring 6 of MU’s 9 goals as the Jeepmen finished as runners-up, garnering 12 points with 4 wins and 2 losses.
Ironically enough, MU knocked out Mohun Bagan by virtue of having more points as a runner-up, thus earning their spot in the quarterfinals against Al Nejmeh. In the home leg in Goa (MU’s Cooperage ground was too small for AFC competitions), the Jeepmen tragically conceded late to lose 1-2, which made their trip to Beirut all the more daunting.
Yet, Mahindra United showed their mettle, as goals from Minga, Harpreet and Pomeyie gave them a 3-2 lead going into the final moments, which would be enough going by the away goals rule. Yet, tragedy struck, as the Indian side conceded a penalty in the 4th minute of injury time, which was duly converted by Milan Bogunovic to send Al Nejmeh through 5-4 on aggregate.
