Mumbai City Fights Hard, Navbahor’s Set-Piece Mastery Secures 2-1

In a thrilling encounter at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Complex, PFC Navbahor Namangan secured a 2-1 victory over Mumbai City FC in the final Group D match of the AFC Champions League 2023-24. Two well-executed goals from set-piece movements proved decisive for Navbahor, confirming their entry into the round of 16 for the first time. Despite Mumbai City FC’s commendable efforts, they ended their campaign without a point, although managing to score their first group league goal in this match.

Mumbai City FC, determined to play for a win as promised by coach Anthony Fernandes, took an attacking approach from the start. They gained the lead in the 15th minute when Abdenasser El Khayati capitalized on Jorge Pereyra Diaz’s parried header, marking Mumbai City’s inaugural goal in the tournament.

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However, Navbahor leveled the score at the half-hour mark with Jamshid Iskanderov’s exquisite left-footed curling free-kick following an infringement by Akash Mishra. The Uzbek side’s match-winner came just before half-time, with Jovan Dokic converting a low corner kick from Jamshid.

Despite the setback, Mumbai City FC showed resilience in the second half, creating numerous opportunities and keeping Navbahor defenders on their toes. Rahul Bheke and Vikram Partap Singh played crucial roles, but Navbahor’s mastery of set-piece movements proved decisive in securing the 2-1 triumph.