Mumbai City FC tighten their laces to face Jamshedpur FC in the AFC Champions League Qualifiers. The Islanders, after finishing their successful campaign in the ISL, are ready for their next challenge to secure group stage spot in the AFC Champions League.
The Islanders will take on Jamshedpur FC, the League Shield winners from last season, in a highly anticipated one-off tie on 4 April at the Payyanad Stadium in Manjeri, Kerala, to determine which team will have the opportunity to compete in the 2023-24 edition of Asia’s premier club football competition. Looking ahead to next week’s encounter, head coach Des Buckingham spoke about the squad’s morale and their ensuing confidence following a historic campaign.
Last season, Mumbai City became the first Indian football club to win a game in group stage of AFC Champions League. Des Buckingham’s side finished second in the group with 7 points last season. Having had the taste of continental football last season, the 38-year-old tactician is certain his players will have the ‘hunger’ to ensure their ticket to the AFC Champions League once again with the 2023-24 tournament set to be the final edition of the competition in it’s current format with 40 teams.
Mumbai City will travel to Manjeri, Kerala on 4 April for the AFC Champions League Qualifier before returning to the same venue for the Super Cup, with the Islanders kicking off their cup campaign against either Real Kashmir or Churchill Brothers on 11 April.