Mumbai City FC have secured their spot in the group stages of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League after defeating Jamshedpur FC in the playoff match. The Islanders won 3-1 in a tightly contested match at the Payyanad Stadium in Manjeri, Kerala. Mumbai City FC became the first Indian team to win a match at the AFC Champions League last season and they will be looking to make a similar impact this year.
Here are the key takeaways from the match: Mumbai City FC seal spot in AFC Champions League group stage with 3-1 win over Jamshedpur FC
- A Tight First Half: Both teams played out a tight first half and enjoyed phases of possession. Bipin Singh came close to giving the Islanders the lead just before half-time. However, his shot was diverted onto the post by Jamshedpur goalkeeper TP Rehenesh at full stretch.
- Ahmed Jahouh opened the scoring for Mumbai City FC from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute after Lallianzuala Chhangte was brought down inside the box by Ricky.
- Mumbai City FC doubled their lead through Spanish attacker Alberto Noguera, who found the back of the net with a sublime left-footed volley from the centre of the box.
- Jamshedpur FC managed to pull a goal back through Eli Sabia, who headed the ball in from a corner to make it 2-1.
- Mumbai City FC confirmed their second successive appearance in the AFC Champions League with a fine late breakaway goal, which was finished off by Vikram Pratap Singh.
- Mumbai City FC coach Des Buckingham expressed his pride at representing the club and Indian football at the highest level of club football in Asia.
- Mumbai City’s Dominant Display: The Islanders began the match strongly, displaying some fine passages of play. Jahouh was at the centre of all the dangerous attacks. However, Jamshedpur custodian TP Rehenesh managed to stave them off early on in the game. Mumbai City once again looked deadly in the attacking third forcing saves from Rehenesh. Finally, the two-time Hero Indian Super League Shield-Winners found the breakthrough after Lallianzuala Chhangte was brought down inside the box by Ricky.
- Coach Des Buckingham’s Words: “Extremely proud to represent not just our club but Indian football at the highest level of club football in Asia. The full cycle of the last 12 months where we finished second in the group stage of the last Champions League, made the Durand Cup final, won the ISL Shield and to have won this game is a good journey,” said Mumbai City coach Des Buckingham.
Mumbai City FC will be looking to build on their impressive run in the AFC Champions League last season and make a strong impact in this year’s edition. The group stages of the competition will start in September and fans will be eagerly waiting to see how the Islanders perform against some of the best teams in Asia.
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