Mumbai City FC vs Nassaji Mazandaran: Mumbai City FC lost 0-2 in their AFC Champions League 2023-24 opener against Nassaji Mazandaran. Ehsan Hosseini and Mohammed Reza Azadi scored the two crucial goals for the Iranian club. The islanders missed several chances and only have themselves to blame. Des Buckingham’s team displayed strong attacking intent and took numerous shots, but their finishing was lacking. As a result, they ended the match without any goals.
Mumbai City FC vs Nassaji Mazandaran Match Report
Mumbai City FC started the game aggressively, putting early pressure on Nassaji.In the 3rd minute, a well-placed diagonal ball from Rostyn found Bipin Singh on the left wing, who passed to Greg in the Nassaji penalty box, but the shot was saved.Diaz’s movement in the final third troubled Nassaji’s defense.
In the 9th minute, Jorge crossed to Chhangte, whose shot narrowly missed the target.Mumbai City FC controlled the midfield, with Apuia Ralte and Yoel van Nieff supporting the high press.Nassaji struggled to advance into Mumbai’s half, and Phurba, the Mumbai City FC goalkeeper, had little to do in the first 15 minutes.
In the 19th minute, Diaz made a smart run and passed to Bipin Singh, who crossed to Chhangte, but a Nassaji defender cleared it for a corner.Nassaji Mazandaran unexpectedly took the lead in the 33rd minute with a goal by Mohammad Hosseini.
Despite possession dominance, Mumbai City FC struggled to create clear chances.In added time, Bipin missed a volley, and the first half ended with Nassaji leading 1-0.Mumbai City FC sought to equalize in the second half.
In the 52nd minute, Chhangte’s cross was intercepted before reaching Diaz, but Yoel van Nieff’s follow-up shot missed.Nassaji made tactical changes at halftime.In the 66th minute, Nassaji extended their lead to 2-0 after a defensive error by Rostyn.Mumbai City FC pressed forward, but Nassaji defended well.
In the 71st minute, Greg’s powerful shot was easily saved by the Nassaji keeper.In the 75th minute, Akash Mishra was substituted for Vikram Partap Singh.Greg and Bipin created a chance on the left wing, but Chhangte couldn’t convert.Despite Nassaji’s lead, they maintained a defensive stance.The game ended with Mumbai City FC losing 2-0 to Nassaji Mazandaran in their AFC Champions League group stage opener.
Mumbai City FC vs Nassaji Mazandaran XI:
Mumbai City FC XI: Phurba Lachenpa, Rahul Bheke (C), Rostyn Griffiths, Tiri, Akash Mishra, Yoëll Van Nieff, Apuia Ralte, Greg Stewart, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Bipin Singh, Jorge Pereyra Díaz
Nassaji Mazandaran XI: Mohammad Rashid Mazaheri, Amir Mehdi Janmaleki, Amir Mohammad Houshmand, Vahid Mohammadzadeh, Ehsan Hosseini, Esmaeil Babaei, Mahmoud Ghaed Rahmati, (c) Hossein Zamehran, Mohammadreza Abbasi, Saber Hardani, Mohammad Reza Azadi
