Mumbai City FC lose 2-0 to Iran’s Nassaji Mazandaran in home game at Pune

Pune: Mumbai City FC lost 2-0 to Iranian Club Nassaji Mazandaran in their first AFC Champions League group stage game at home. The Islanders showcased immense attacking prowess but were unable to find the finishing touch. Des Buckingham put out a balanced team for the Islanders’ first AFC Champions League 2023/24 group stage game against Iranian side FC Nassaji Mazandaran. Ehsan Hosseini (34’) and Mohammed Reza Azadi (62’) got the goals for Nassaji Mazandaran. Phurba started in goal; Tiri played alongside Rostyn Griffiths in Mumbai City FC’s back-line. Rahul Bheke and Akash Mishra occupied the full back-back positions. The prodigious Apuia Ralte was paired up with the influential Greg Stewart and Yoell van Nieff in the Islanders’ midfield. The Islanders had the electric duo ofLallianzuala Chhangte on the right and Bipin Singh on the left wing in attack. Jorge Pereyra Diaz was leading the line for the Islanders through the centre against FC Nassaji Mazandaran. Mumbai City FC was formed in August 2014 and is a club competing in the Hero Indian Super League. The Islanders, as the club is fondly known, is the only team in India to have won the unique ‘double’, winning the Hero ISL League and the Playoffs in the 2020-21.