Mumbai City FC shifts AFC Champions League home fixture against Al Hilal to Navi Mumbai

by Chittu Shetty September 26, 2023

Mumbai City FC recently announced the relocation of their group stage home fixture against Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal from Pune to Navi Mumbai’s Dr DY Patil stadium.

This strategic decision aims to provide the team with a new home advantage as they seek redemption following a challenging start to their AFC CL journey.

Originally slated to be hosted at Pune’s Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex stadium on November 6, this pivotal clash will now take place on the same date at the Dr DY Patil stadium. The change in venue comes after Mumbai City FC faced a 0-2 defeat in their opening group-stage match against Iran’s FC Nassaji Mazandaran in Pune with a very limited set of fans. With Mumbai Football Arena not fulfilling the AFC Champions League Criteria, Mumbai City FC were forced to play their home games in Pune. However, this became a hassle for Mumbai fans who had to travel across to different city to attend their own city-based club’s home games

Meanwhile, Al Hilal, a club with a storied history in the AFC Champions League, kicked off their 2023-24 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Uzbek club Navbahor FC. The Saudi Arabian club, with a rich history of success in the AFC Champions League, boasts a star-studded lineup that includes the likes of Neymar, Aleksander Mitrovic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Ruben Neves. This formidable squad poses a formidable challenge for the Islanders, who have begun their Indian Super League (ISL) season with a 2-1 victory against NorthEast United FC.

Before facing Al Hilal in Navi Mumbai, Mumbai City FC will embark on a crucial journey that includes matches against Navbahor and Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League. The team aims to bounce back strongly after their initial setback and enhance their prospects of progressing to the next round of the tournament.

For fans eager to support Mumbai City FC in this high-stakes encounter against Al Hilal, the pre-registration for tickets begins on Friday, September 29 at 11 AM. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the action and witness footballing excellence on display.

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