Mumbai City FC began their AFC Champions League campaign with a 3-0 loss against Al Shabab. A brace from Ever Banega and a third from Turki Al Ammar piled the misery on the Islanders as Al Shabab began their campaign in the best way possible.
The Saudi Arabia club were returning to continental football after a seven-year gap. And the former Sevilla midfielder and Al Shabab captain helped his side start off by picking up three points.
The Islanders could not manage a single on goal, while their opponents were on fire offensively with 12 out of 28 shots on target.
Mumbai City FC suffer thrashing in AFC Champions League debut
Despite slipping to fourth in their domestic league, Al Shabab were able to create several huge chances against the former Indian champions. Phurba Lachenpa got the nod in goal ahead of Mumbai City FC’s number 1, Mohammad Nawaz. And, the goalkeeper had to make several big saves throughout the game.
However, he was beaten by Banega before half-time to open the scoring after he conceded a penalty. The Argentinian scored from the edge of the penalty area followed by a goal from substitute Al Ammar to make it three.
Al Shabab will face UAE champions Al Jazira in their next match on Monday. Mumbai City’s first time in the competition will see them face three-time AFC Cup winners Air Force Club of Iraq in their next outing.
