AFC Champions League Rival Watch: Mumbai City's opponents Navbahor

Navbahor were successful in securing a draw against Al Hilal in their AFC Champions League opener.

Mumbai City FC have started the ISL 2023-24 season exceptionally well, defeating NorthEast United in their own backyard and securing a draw against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium. The team appears to be highly enthusiastic about their upcoming AFC Champions League clash against Uzbekistan’s Navbahor.

However, Mumbai City FC's opening AFC Champions League performance against the Iranian side Nassaji Mazandaran was one to forget for the Islanders. They now face a tough challenge against Navbahor, who held off Al Hilal in their opening AFC Champions League match. Al Hilal meanwhile, are a team which boast players like Neymar, Koulibaly, Mitrović, Malcom, Ruben Neves, and many others.

Let’s take a look at Navbahor and see what they will bring to the table come Tuesday.

About the Team

Navbahor, a professional football club situated in Namangan, Uzbekistan, have a history dating back to their establishment in 1962. Over the years, they have achieved remarkable success, establishing themselves as a prominent force in Uzbekistan's football landscape. Navbahor's list of accomplishments includes multiple domestic championships, such as the Uzbekistan Cup and the Uzbekistan Super Cup.

Navbahor have a strong squad of talented players, including both local and foreign. The team is known for its attacking style of play, with a focus on quick passing and movement. Navbahor's fans are passionate and loyal, and the team enjoys a strong following both at home and abroad.

Furthermore, they had a successful transfer period, adding valuable players like Shokhruz Norkhonov, Milos Milovic, and Temurkhuzha Abdukholikov to their squad. 

Recent Performances

In the new edition of the AFC Champions League, the team managed to fend off a formidable opponent, Al Hilal, a team which has won the competition a record four times, to a 1-1 draw. Navbahor showed resilience against the likes of Neymar, Malcom and Ruben Neves among others.

In their last five matches in the Uzbekistan Super League, the team has managed to secure just one win. They have faced three losses and played out a draw. Their recent league match was against a team named Turan, where the Navbahor team won by a 5-0 margin.

The Coach

Navbahor's head coach, Samvel Babayan, took on his role as the team’s head coach on January 1, 2022, and he is no stranger to Uzbekistan's sports scene. He has managed several clubs, including Pakhtakor, Spartaks, Loko Tashkent, and CC Yatai.

Furthermore, he had a stint with the Uzbekistan National team from 2015 to 2017. However, the team failed to reach the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which resulted in Samvel's dismissal. Under his leadership, the Olympic team performed poorly at the Asian Championships held in January 2016 in Qatar, and they also couldn't qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, failing to advance from the group stage.

On January 15, 2018, the Uzbekistan Football Federation suspended Babayan from all football-related activities for life, citing his involvement in contractual irregularities with football players during his tenure at the Tashkent club, Pakhtakor.

Samvel’s preferred formation is a 4-1-4-1.

Players to Watch

Toma Tabatadze (Forward)

Tabatadze, a recent addition to the Uzbekistan club, is a crucial asset for Navbahor. He boasts an impressive record of seven goals and two assists in 19 appearances in the Uzbekistan Super League. Notably, he found the net against the formidable Al Hilal in their AFC Champions League opener.

Toma Tabatadze has a knack for scoring goals. His exceptional ball control and precision inside the box make him a deadly marksman. Mumbai City FC will face a daunting challenge in dealing with his clinical finishing skills.

Jamshid Boltaboev (Midfielder)

Jamshid Boltaboev provides a composed presence in the midfield for the Uzbek team. As an attacking midfielder, he possesses outstanding ball-carrying abilities, dribbling skills, and a keen eye for delivering impressive passes. 

With four goals scored in 18 appearances for Navbahor, he stands out as a valuable asset for his team.

Utkir Yusupov (Goalkeeper)

Yusupov serves as an impressive goalkeeper for Navbahor, boasting 11 clean-sheets in 20 outings in the Uzbekistan Super League. He possesses remarkable ball control and the ability to initiate plays from the defensive position. Additionally, he showcases strong shot-stopping abilities and remains actively engaged within the penalty area.

What to expect

Mumbai City FC enter the match as underdogs. Their loss to Nassaji Mazandaran has piled up the pressure, emphasising the need for a flawless performance against Navbahor. Any misstep could lead to further setbacks for the Mumbai-based club.

Enthusiasts should anticipate a closely contested game between the two teams. Navbahor, having successfully held off Al Hilal, enter the match with high motivation and will have a competitive edge over the Islanders. If Mumbai City can secure a draw, it would be seen as a significant achievement for Des Buckingham and his team, akin to a victory.