The penalty save was a big moment: Des Buckingham after loss to Navbahor

Des Buckingham also stressed on the importance of rotating the side.

Mumbai City FC's hopes for relief were shattered as they were defeated by Navbahor in their second AFC Champions League 2023-24 match by a scoreline of 3-0. The Islanders started the game pretty well and had some good moments in the first half.

But, a disastrous cloud was looming over Des Buckingham’s side as they stepped on to the pitch in the second half. The Navbahor side were too good for the Islanders as they struck three into Mumbai City FC’s net, thanks to goals from Iskanderov, Yakhshiboev, Abdumannopov. Also, the match witnessed a missed penalty by Greg Stewart.

Let’s take a look at what Mumbai City FC’s head coach has to highlight about the match:

A special shoutout

When asked which player in his team dissatisfied him the most, Des Buckingham politely refused to answer, but indeed gave a special shoutout to Navbahor’s best players on the pitch. 

“The goalkeeper (Utkir Yusupov) in the first half, the penalty save was a big moment in the game. So, that one was a very important one. The goalkeeper in the first half and the number 10 (Jamshid Iskanderov), a very skillful and a very influential player, in very important areas on the pitch.”

Thoughts on Mehtab replacing Rahul

Rahul Bheke was not included by Des Buckingham in the starting line-up against Navbahor, which saw Mehtab Singh replacing him. The decision seemed to backfire Des Buckingham as the latter wasn’t able to cope with the pacy dribbles by the Navbahor attackers.

The tactician addressed, “We played four games, we have been on the road for a long time and we have to rotate our squad because of the closeness of our games. If we don’t do that, we can have injured players and that will part us from the best position to play the best football we want.”

“We didn’t just make one change in the game. We had Phurba back in goal, we had Mehtab at right-back, and Vikram on the right flank, so we made three changes and plus three changes in the game,” he highlighted the importance of rotating his squad due to the tight schedule his team faces.

Change of fate between the halves

Mumbai City FC were equally dominant to the Navbahor side in the first half; attacking and defending simultaneously. But, the second half completely changed the situation, as Navbahor took control of the match and swept away the Islanders.

“It’s just the reflection of where we are and our respected seasons. That’s our fourth game, and you got some players who have played 23 or 24 games, on top of a pre-season. So, when we do get to that stage we will be able to play like that,” Des Buckingham emphasised the importance of playing additional matches both before and during the season.

The coach also highlighted the dip in quality shown by his team, “The other point where I really need to stress, the junk in quality, the play in the first half and to continue that level of quality in the second half and throughout the game. That’s a hard task, especially settling in the season. But, our players will continue to try.”