Mumbai City FC become first Indian club to record a win in AFC Champions League

Riyadh: With a 2-1 comeback against Iraqi Air Force Club, Des Buckingham’s Mumbai City FC became the first Indian club to record a win in the group stages of the AFC Champions League. Goals from Diego Mauricio and Rahul Bheke orchestrated the comeback wherein the latter became the first Indian to score a goal in the AFC Champions League.

Coming with rejuvenated spirits from their loss in the first game, the Islanders were pumped up for a win . However, the absence of a prolific finisher like Igor Angulo was bringing in conversion issues for the team in blue. Although Mumbai City FC took some time to settle in with the high press from the opponents. Once they did it was a smooth sail. Hammadi Ahmed (59′), who had come off the bench, opened the scoring in the 59th minute, to hand the three-time AFC Cup champions the lead.

However,  Diego Mauricio restored the parity with a perfect placed spot kick in the 70th minute that was awarded to the Islanders when Ali Khadim procured a reckless tackle on the Brazilian. Five minutes later, Bheke scored an absolute stunner of a header from an Ahmed Jahouh corner  to give his side the lead and eventually the win.

Although there were several attempts made by the Iraqi side, Mumbai City FC held on to the lead with rock solid performance from Skipper Mourtada Fall, finally registering the maiden victory for an Indian club in AFC Champions League. The Islanders will next take on Al-Jazira on Thursday, while Air Force Club face Al-Shabab on the same day.