'ACL too competitive for Indian clubs'

The failure to make the AFC Champions League still hurts Dempo coach Armando Colaco but given the highly competitive nature of Asia's top club tournament, he feels Indian sides would struggle even if they qualify.

Colaco rued his side's play-off loss to UAE's Al Sharjah in February which put paid to the team's chances of playing in the ACL. But he acknowledged that playing in the top-tier would be a stiff ask for the Indian clubs.

"We were in the last stage but lost the qualifying play-off. Playing in ACL will be very tough for Indian clubs but I think it's better to experience it. That will give a big boost to Indian football," Colaco said.

"Indian clubs can do well and be very competitive in the AFC Cup. But the ACL is a different level. Moreover, there is the AFC licensing issue which will not allow any of the Indian clubs to play in ACL," he added.

Last year, Dempo became the first Indian side to reach the semifinals of AFC Cup, but they failed to make it to the last-eight stage of the continent's second-tier club event this year.

Colaco is still hopeful of making it to the AFC Cup next year by winning the Federation Cup in Guwahati in December.

Churchill Brothers have qualified for AFC Cup next year by virtue of their I-League victory last season and will have the winner of Federation Cup for company in the AFC Cup.