# Mumbai City FC vs. Nassaji Mazandaran: AFC Champions League Match Highlights
In the first AFC Champions League match featuring an Indian club, Mumbai City FC faced off against FC Nassaji Mazandaran at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, Maharashtra. This thrilling encounter showcased the spirit of Indian football on the grand continental stage. Here, we bring you a comprehensive overview of the match, highlighting key moments and insights.
## Match Summary
**Full Time Score: Mumbai City FC 0-2 Nassaji Mazandaran**
### First Half
The match kicked off with high anticipation as Mumbai City FC, the ISL Shield winner, aimed to make a strong statement in the AFC Champions League. However, it was Nassaji Mazandaran who struck first, with Ehsan Hosseini finding the back of the net in the 34th minute. This early goal set the Iranian side in the driving seat at the halftime break, with the score reading **MCFC 0-1 NAS**.
### Second Half
The second half witnessed an increased tempo from Mumbai City FC, as they sought to find the equalizer. Bipin Singh, along with his teammates, created some promising chances, but the visitors remained resolute in defense. In the 62nd minute, Nassaji Mazandaran extended their lead, with Azadi doubling their advantage. The match concluded with a final score of **Mumbai City FC 0-2 Nassaji Mazandaran**.
## Key Moments
- **34' Goal by Hosseini:** A well-executed play by Nassaji Mazandaran saw Ehsan Hosseini capitalize on an opportunity to put his team ahead.
- **62' Goal by Azadi:** Mahmoud Ghaed Rahmati provided a crucial assist to Azadi, who confidently found the back of the net, sealing the victory for Nassaji Mazandaran.
- **83' Chance for Mumbai:** Greg Stewart made a commendable effort to set up a chance for Chhangte, but the header was not potent enough to trouble the visitors.
- **77' Mumbai's Counter Attack:** Mumbai City FC attempted a counter-attack, with Bipin delivering a cross to Dias, who set up Vikram. However, the shot went off-target.
- **73' Injury Scare:** Mehrdad Abdi and Akash Mishra both suffered an injury scare but were able to continue after receiving medical attention.
## Mumbai City's AFC Champions League Campaign
Mumbai City FC, which became the first Indian club to secure a victory in the Champions League last season, is embarking on another historic campaign. This season, due to infrastructural constraints at the Mumbai Football Arena, the club will be hosting its home games in Pune.
Head Coach Des Buckingham, speaking ahead of the match, expressed the team's determination to perform well on the continental stage, highlighting their positive sentiment from the previous ACL campaign. The goalkeeper, Phurba Lachenpa, echoed this enthusiasm, emphasizing the opportunity to showcase their abilities as a team against top-class opposition.
## Conclusion
Despite the result, Mumbai City FC's journey in the AFC Champions League promises excitement and ambition. As the team adjusts to its new home base in Pune, football enthusiasts across India eagerly await the upcoming matches. This season presents a fresh opportunity for the club to leave an indelible mark on the Asian football landscape, demonstrating the potential of Indian football on the grand stage. Stay tuned for more thrilling action in the AFC Champions League!
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