Al Jazira edge out Mumbai City 1-0 in AFC Champions League

Ali Mabkhout struck the solitary goal from the penalty spot as Mumbai City suffered a narrow 0-1 loss against Al Jazira in a Group B match of the AFC Champions League here. It was Mumbai's second defeat in three games following their 0-3 loss against Al-Shabad side in their opener. Mabkhout's 40th-minute goal was the difference between the two sides as Al Jazira collected three points at King Fahd International Stadium on Thursday. Coach Marcel Keizer's men dominated the first half, registering 70 per cent ball possession by the break, but struggled to create real scoring chances as Mumbai City sat deep, happy to concede play and look to hit on the counter. The Islanders suffered an early blow as defender Amey Ranawade was stretched off to be replaced by Methab Singh just nine minutes into the game.

The first clear-cut chance of the night fell Al Jazira's way after 18 minutes, with Abdulla Ramadan sending an overhead pass for Bruno, who controlled the ball inside the box and drilled a low effort that goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz was able to deal with. Adding to coach Des Buckingham's woes, substitute defender Singh was the culprit in conceding a penalty six minutes before the break after his raised arm blocked a shot from Abdoulaye Diaby, prompting the referee to instantly point to the spot. Ali Mabkhout stepped up and despite Nawaz making contact with his fingertips, the striker's effort was too far into the corner for him to catch, handing Al Jazira the lead. Just like their opponents earlier in the half, Al Jazira lost their centre-back Mohammed Al Attas who was taken off in the last minute of the opening period, being replaced by youngster Nawaf Dhawi. Nawaz was called into action for a big save within three minutes of