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Follow UsHistoric win for Mumbai City FC as they defeated Air Force Club to become the first Indian club to register a win in the AFC Champions League history. The Islanders defeated Air Force Club by a 1-2 margin.
Des Buckingham's team came back from behind to ensure a historic win in the AFC Champions League 2022 Group B match.
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First-half
The first half of the match went goalless as both the teams fought hard to find the back of the net. Mumbai City FC did look a bit nervous at the start. But, they started to find their place as the game kept on going in the midfield. Meanwhile, Air Force Club was forced to make an early change as Ibrahim Bayesh was injured. He was substituted by Shareef Abdul Kadhim in the 15th minute of the first half.
Hussain Jabar was really close to making it 1-0 up for Mumbai. But, he could not finish the chance with his left foot in the 34th minute. That was the only close chance Mumbai had in the first half. But the islanders looked really confident of making an upset in the match.
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Second half
But, Mumbai faced an early upset in the second half. Hamadi Ahmed finished a clinical team goal in the 59th minute as the Air Force Club drew the first blood in the match. It was Sharif who initiated the pass to Ahmed. Ahmed then did a one-two with Mohammed Ali and then found the back of the net past Lachenpa.
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Although, Mumbai did not have to wait long for their first-ever goal in the tournament. Diego Mauricio was fouled by Ali Kazem inside the penalty box. And the referee did not waste any second giving it a penalty. Cool and calm Diego Mauricio scored the first-ever goal for Mumbai City FC in the AFC Champions League converting the penalty.
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But, the real joy for the club came when Rahul Bheke headed a wonderful goal from the corner kick to give the lead. The defender was unmarked in the box by the opposition. Thus, he took an advantage of a perfect cross from the corner.
Post that the Air Force club tried many things to come back in the match. But, nothing happened for them as the game ended in a 1-2 result for Mumbai City FC.
Mumbai City FC will face Al Jazira in their next match on 14th April, at 10.45 pm (IST).