AFC Champions League: Mumbai City face Navbahor in must-win clash

Mumbai City will hope to earn their first points of the AFC Champions League 2023-24 against Navbahor.

Mumbai City FC will lock horns with Uzbekistan-based club Navbahor in their second match of the AFC Champions League 2023-24, away from home. The Islanders appear strong ahead of the fixture following their brilliant start in the ISL campaign.

The Islanders played their first AFC Champions League match on September 18th, where they suffered a 2-0 loss to Nassaji Mazandaran at home. Des Buckingham and his team cannot afford another defeat in the competition, as it would place the Islanders in a precarious position in their quest to qualify for the next round.

Let’s have a look at what the encounter has to offer:

The Stakes

Mumbai City FC

It's a now-or-never game for Mumbai City FC. After a disappointing loss against the Iranian side Nassaji Mazandaran, the Islanders simply cannot afford another defeat against Navbahor. Following their match against Navbahor, the team will be facing Al Hilal away from home. 

Al Hilal boasts star players like Neymar, Koulibaly, and Mitrovic, which makes securing a victory against them appear nearly impossible for the ISL giants. Nonetheless, with the momentum they have gained from the ISL's opening matches, Mumbai City FC must summon courage and determination as they prepare to take on Navbahor on 3rd October.

PFC Navbahor Namangan

PFC Navbahor's last match in the Uzbekistan Super League ended in triumph as they defeated Turan 5-0. They currently occupy the second position in their domestic league table standings.

While Mumbai City FC currently finds themselves at the bottom of the Group D standings, Navbahor played out a 1-1 draw against Neymar's Al Hilal, allowing them to secure the third spot in the standings. They will be hoping to replicate the same formula against the Islanders and secure a win as well a favourable position in the Group D standings.

Injury & Team News

Phurba Lachenpa was absent from the match against NorthEast United and Odisha due to an injury sustained during pre-match training for their ISL opener.

For Navbahor, Ivanovic and Ismailov both received yellow cards during the match against Al Hilal, and Ivanovic is doubtful for the upcoming match against Mumbai City FC.

Head-to-Head

Both the clubs have never faced each other previously. This will be their first meeting.

Predicted Line-ups

Mumbai City FC

Mohammad Nawaz, Rahul Bheke, Rostyn Griffiths, Tiri, Akash Mishra, Apuia, Yoëll van Nieff, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Greg Stewart, Bipin Singh, Jorge Pereyra Diaz.

Navbahor

Utkir Yusupov, Igor Golban, Milos Milovic, Filip Ivanovic, Ibrohim Yoldoshev, Jamshid Boltaboev, Jamshid Iskanderov, Oston Urunov, Asadbek Sobirjonov, Abror Ismailov, Toma Tabatadze.

Players to Watch

Greg Stewart (Mumbai City FC)

Mumbai City’s attacking midfielder, Greg Stewart, is the biggest threat for the Uzbekistan club. The Scottish international has been instrumental in controlling the tempo of the game and has been in terrific form for the Islanders. If given space and time, Stewart knows how to exploit his opponents!

Toma Tabatadze (Navbahor)

Toma Tabatadze possesses a remarkable talent for scoring goals, thanks to his exceptional ball control and precision in the box. His clinical finishing skills present a daunting challenge for Mumbai City FC, as they will need to find a way to contain his scoring prowess.

Did you know?

• Mumbai City FC and Navbahor will meet for the very first time.
• Navbahor played out a 1-1 draw against four times ACL champions Al Hilal.

Telecast

The match between Navbahor and Mumbai City will take place at the Markaziy Stadion in Uzbekistan, on October 3rd, 2023 (Tuesday). The kick-off time is 7:30 pm IST. The game will be telecasted live on Sports 18 network. Fancode and JioTV will also stream the match.