Ratings: Apuia, Chhangte silver linings in Mumbai City's defeat to Al-Shabab

Captain Ever Banega scored a brace for the Saudi Arabian club.

Mumbai City learned a hard lesson in their opening AFC Champions League game with a 3-0 loss to Saudi side Al-Shabab FC. The Al Leith's captain, Ever Banega, had a spectacular evening with two goals from a penalty and a composed finish. Winger Turki Al Ammar added to Al-Shabab's lead in the 76th minute from another flowing team move that completely deconstructed the Islanders' shape. Game-time for youngsters Vikram Partap Singh and Gurkirat Singh was a welcome move from Des Buckingham, as his side did not have much to look forward to in a game-to-forget.

With that in mind, let us take a look at Khel Now's ratings for the Mumbai City players on an important ACL night:

Phurba Lachenpa - 6.0

Started out well but made a glaring mistake from a rush out and conceded a spot-kick which Ever Banega converted calmly. Couldn’t do anything about the rest of Al-Shabab’s goals. He made two more crucial saves to deny the Al Leith and made nine saves in total.

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Rahul Bheke - 6.0

The experienced right-back attempted two crosses and made only three tackles. Not a very good night out, as he could barely help his side out in defending any of the goals conceded.

Mourtada Fall - 6.0

The captain could not lead his side to a clean-sheet as none of his two interceptions, two blocked shots or two interceptions could amount to anything. 

Mehtab Singh - 7.0

Extremely vigilant at the back as his reaction speed and acceleration on the cover helped Mumbai City defend quite a few genuine chances. Went into the book late on but had a decent individual performance, winning his only aerial duel and three of his five ground duels.

Mandar Rao Dessai- 5.5

Another poor showing from the vice-captain as he completed 91% of his passes, but was ineffective with his only cross into the box. Won his only aerial and ground duel before being subbed off for Vignesh in the 59th minute.

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Lalengmawia Ralte- 7.0

Impressive showing in the middle of the park, as he showed his abilities in progressive passing and taking on players rather than his usual skill-set of safe side passing and defensive interceptions.

Ahmed Jahouh - 6.5

Helped in orchestrating passes and organizing the team’s play as well as in obstructing a few of Al-Shabab’s attacks. Left the field for Vinit Rai in the 84th minute, having won four of his eight ground duels and completed 51 of his 64 attempted short passes.

Lallianzuala Chhangte - 6.5

Looked to have pulled one back for Mumbai City with a beautiful far post finish, but Bipin was flagged for being offside during the build-up. Went close with another ambitious long shot from the edge of the box, but could not get a goal.

Vikram Pratap Singh - 6

Picked up a yellow card for an ambitious challenge on Hassan Al Tambakti and was rebuked by Banega. Energetic in running forward and did not shy away from taking on defenders. Generated two key chances and completed his only take-on, but came off for Raynier Fernandes in the 59th minute. 

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Cassinho - 6.5

Completed two of his four long balls and one of his two take-ons, but looked isolated too often. Left the fray for Gurkirat Singh in the 75th minute, with an 80% pass completion rate on the books. 

Bipin Singh- 6.0

Made a few good runs that could have helped Mumbai City get a few more shots on target, but his teammates let him down. An otherwise tame evening for the rapid forward, as he had only 23 touches and couldn’t complete his only take-on.

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Substitutes 

Vignesh Dakshinamurthy - 6.0

Looked to be an improvement as Mumbai City’s left flank got further forward with his introduction. Made one interception and got 23 touches on the ball.

Vinit Rai - 6.5

Like-for-like change as he replaced Jahouh, but saw very little of the ball. Completed seven out of his eight passes.

Raynier Fernandes - 6.0

The experienced Indian midfielder only got 10 touches on the ball and completed five passes, as he could not generate any proper chances for the Islanders.

Gurkirat Singh - 6.5

Constant movement saw the winger get into plenty of good positions, but he managed only three touches since coming on.

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