Mumbai City FC’s head coach Des Buckingham has said that it is a proud feeling to represent Indian football in Asia. The Islanders qualified for the AFC Champions League 2023-24 group stage after a 3-1 win over Jamshedpur FC in the Hero Club Playoffs in Manjeri, Kerala on Tuesday.

Ahmed Jahouh, Alberto Noguera, and Vikram Partap Singh scored for Des Buckingham’s team and helped them qualify for the AFC Asian Champions League.

Mumbai City had finished in second place in their group in the previous edition of the tournament and they will be looking to do better in the upcoming tournament.

“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.

“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.

The Englishman hailed the team’s temperament in the crucial match against Red Miners and admitted it was always going to be a tough game.

“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,” he said.

On the other hand, Jamshedpur FC gaffer Aidy Boothroyd admitted that they were beaten by stronger opposition.

“I thought we started the game very well but in the second half, they grew stronger and stronger and made it difficult for us,” he said.

Both of these teams will take part in the upcoming Hero Super Cup in Kerala.