AFC Champions League Qualifier 2023-24: Mumbai City vs Jamshedpur: Top three battles to watch out for

The two giants will battle it out for a place in the group stages of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League.

Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC are all set to take on one another in a one-off playoff match on the 4th of April, to decide which team qualifies for the 2023-24 AFC Champions League, which is the biggest stage of club football in Asia.

Jamshedpur FC were crowned League Shield Winners during the 2021-22 Hero Indian Super League campaign, while Mumbai City FC similarly reigned supreme in the 2022-23 season, and hence as per the AFC slot system, a playoff has been scheduled between the League Shield winners of the aforementioned seasons to ascertain the team that will head to the group stages of 2023-24 AFC Champions League.

Both these teams are very much aware of one another’s playing style and the danger they can pose, as they have already locked horns twice so far in the ISL this season, with the two teams sharing the spoils in the first game, and the other ending with a victory for the City blues.

Also, the abundance of talent in both these teams, suggests that there will be some mouthwatering battles between players throughout the pitch, that will draw the attention of the lots, and will surely be very intriguing to watch.

Out of all the possible clashes that could transpire between players from the two teams, these are the most eagerly anticipated and could define the narrative of the game.

3. Lallianzuala Chhangte VS Eli Sabia

Lallianzuala Chhangte has been Mumbai’s biggest trouper against Jamshedpur this season. The winger has scored in both games against the miners, and can very well come to haunt Aidy Boothroyd and his team once again.

The responsibility to stop this trailblazer is given to the very skilful, very experienced centre-back Eli Sabia. With Ricky Lallawmawma, who plays in the left back position, often reaching the more advanced positions on the pitch, it will very well be Eli’s responsibility to take care of Chhangte’s constant pressure from the left.

Also, with Lallianzuala occasionally dropping into that number 10 role, Eli’s experience will be highly required in trying to minimise the threat of an in-form Lallianzuala Chhangte, and how well Eli Sabia can execute this role of his, will be a major determiner of the fixture’s verdict.

2. Daniel Chima Chukwu vs Mehtab Singh

Although Daniel Chima Chukwu’s season wasn’t as satisfying as expected from the loyal Jamshedpurians, who would’ve liked it better if the Nigerian was a more regular feature in the scoresheet, it is undeniably true that the striker finished the season on a high, and was starting to find his form back. His four-goal contributions in the final five games of the season, added with how offensively robust he was coming into the end of the season, is a very clear indication of this regained form.

This strong finish to the season means that Chukwu will be very high on confidence coming into the one-off fixture, and the Nigerian would very much want to prove his critics wrong and help his team earn qualification. But on his way, is a daunting and tenacious centre-back, in the form of Mehtab Singh, who was amongst one of the best centre-backs this season.

The 24-year-old was quick, rigid and up to the task all season long for Mumbai. He was also a crucial part of Mumbai’s shield-winning team and made a name for himself courtesy of his splendid performances.

Chukwu and Mehtab have locked horns in the past, and it is always a very interesting battle between the two. So far this season, the Indian centre-back has very well managed Chukwu’s threat, but the Nigerian has one more opportunity of shining against a fierce and known rival.

1. Jay Emmanuel Thomas VS Ahmed Jahouh

Tuesday's Champions League qualifier will have a lot of equations and narratives to its name. But the one that will surely be the most sought-after and delightful to watch, is the scrimmage between Jay Emmanuel and Ahmed Jahouh.

Both these players are the lifelines of these teams, and their contribution is immaculate. Jay is easily Jamshedpur’s most valuable asset and is a player who can make a huge difference in the game. He is the heart of Jamshedpur’s midfield, and is irreplaceable in terms of his positioning, pressing and playmaking abilities.

Jahouh on the other hand, is Mumbai City’s, Jay Emmanuel. The Moroccan is a key cog of Mumbai’s squad and does everything from playing crucial offensive balls and passes, to being a solid defensive midfielder, who restricts the attackers to creep in.

Whenever these two heavyweights have battled it out this season, the coming together has been zestful, and it will be very interesting to see which player gets to have his say when another chapter of this interesting tale is written on Tuesday night.