“The opportunity that lies in front of us now is exciting,” Mumbai City FC boss Des Buckingham delighted to guide his club to the AFC Champions League

Mumbai City FC boss Des Buckingham was delighted after his team defeated Jamshedpur FC 3-1 in the playoff for the AFC Champions League in Manjeri, Kerala. Riding on goals from Ahmed Jahouh, Alberto Noguera and Vikram Pratap Singh, the Islanders scripted history by becoming the first Indian club to make it to the Champions League twice in successive years.

The last time they were in the Champions League, Buckingham led his team to a second-placed finish and missed qualifying for the next round by a whisker. He will be keen to improve on that aspect and put up another good show. After the win, he shared his gratitude to have the opportunity to lead his team to the continental tournament of elites.

“I feel very proud to be able to represent not just our club but also Indian football at the highest level in club football in Asia,” Buckingham said in the post-match press conference.

It has been an exceptional journey in India for the English tactician as he led his team to two wins in the AFC Champions League group stage and then backed it up domestically by winning the ISL League Shield and reaching the finals of the Durand Cup. The Islanders will now aim to do well in the upcoming Super Cup.

“The opportunity that lies in front of us now is exciting. The full cycle of the last 12 months has been a very good journey. From playing in the Champions League, winning two games, then reaching the Durand Cup final, winning the League Winners’ Shield to now qualifying for Asia again has been great,” he added.

Eli Sabia scored the only goal for Jamshedpur FC which eventually resulted in nothing more than a consolation. However, Buckingham admits that the Men of Steel were very good on the night and they did make things difficult with their water-tight defence and set plays. Buckingham assured that despite Jamshedpur’s goal, the players were very relaxed and there was no panic.

“We knew Jamshedpur FC’s threats. They have some good players and are very strong on set plays and that’s where they have scored from. Things can quickly unravel but there was no panic. The players that were on the pitch or the ones that came on were very clear about what they wanted to do, so that was very pleasing,” the Englishman highlighted.

Mumbai City will now focus on the Super Cup which starts on April 8. They are in group D with Chennaiyin FC and NorthEast United. Another team will join them from the I-League after clearing the qualifying round.