Mumbai City FC started their AFC Champions League Campaign with a Victory over Nassaji Mazandaran
MUMBAI CITY FC vs. NASSAJI MAZANDARAN 8 PM: Mumbai City FC won 2-1 against Iran’s Nassaji Mazandaran at Pune’s Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex on September 18, 2023, to start their 2023–24 AFC Champions League campaign.
The Islanders took the lead in the 25th minute through Greg Stewart, who converted from the spot after Lallianzuala Chhangte was fouled in the box. Mumbai City FC doubled their advantage in the 55th minute through Bipin Singh, who finished off a fine team move.
MUMBAI CITY FC vs. NASSAJI MAZANDARAN 8 PM AFC Champions League
Nassaji Mazandaran pulled a goal back in the 65th minute through Mohammad Mehdi Mehri, but Mumbai City FC held on to secure a vital victory in their opening group match.
Mumbai City FC head coach Des Buckingham was pleased with his team’s performance and result. “It was a good start to our AFC Champions League campaign,” he said. “We played well in the first half and took our chances. In the second half, Nassaji Mazandaran came out strong and scored a goal, but we showed good character to hold on for the win.”
Mumbai City FC captain Mourtada Fall lauded his team’s efforts and expressed their determination to qualify for the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League. He stated, “We prepared well for this match after a good pre-season.” “We knew that Nassaji Mazandaran was a good team, but we were confident that we could get the win. We are now focused on our next match against Al Hilal.”
On September 21, 2023, Mumbai City FC will play Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League.
NASSAJI MAZANDARAN AND MUMBAI CITY FC HISTORY
Mumbai City FC and Nassaji Mazandaran FC have never played each other before, so their history is short and sweet. They will clash for the first time in the group stage on September 18, 2023, in Pune, India, since they are both making their AFC Champions League debuts in 2023–24.
Mumbai City FC are the defending Indian Super League champions, and they are one of the most successful clubs in the league’s short history. They have won two ISL titles and one Super Cup. Mumbai City is also the first Indian club to win a match in the AFC Champions League.
Nassaji Mazandaran FC is a traditional Iranian club that has been around for over 60 years. Despite never winning a major Iranian title, they have finished in the top half of the Persian Gulf Pro League in recent seasons. Nassaji Mazandaran qualified for the AFC Champions League by placing third in the 2022–23 Persian Gulf Pro League.
The Mumbai City FC vs. Nassaji Mazandaran match is the first India-Iran AFC Champions League encounter, promising an interesting affair.
History of Mumbai City FC and Nassaji Mazandaran:
- Never played each other before
- Both teams will make their AFC Champions League debuts in 2023–24.
- Will meet for the first time in the group stage on September 18, 2023, in Pune, India
Interesting facts:
- Mumbai City FC are the defending Indian Super League champions
- Nassaji Mazandaran FC are a traditional Iranian club that has been around for over 60 years
- This match will be the first time that two teams from India and Iran have met in a competitive match
Prediction:
This is a tough match to predict, as both teams are relatively unknown on the international stage, according to ESPN. Mumbai City FC, the ISL champions with a strong home record, have a slight advantage in my view.
I predict a 1-1 draw.
Source: ZoxPR.
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