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The Mumbai City FC squad returned to their home base of Mumbai today after completing a 35 day pre-season tour in the City of Gold, Dubai. Dubai Sports City was host to rigorous practice sessions, preparing the team for the upcoming ISL 2016 season.
Indian Super League franchise Mumbai City FC played four friendly matches during their time there, against top Emirati teams. The first match was played against Al Ahli, the reigning UAE Pro League Champs & Asian Champions League Runner-Ups. Mumbai City FC came out on top, scoring two goals; with Leo Costa and Lucian Goian scoring one each.
Al Wasl, a well-supported Dubai based Emirati team faced Mumbai City FC in the second match which resulted in a draw. The game saw Gaston Sangoy score once against Al Wasl. A thrilling third match was won by Mumbai City FC against the Dubai Cultural Sports Club; the UAE’s first division team from Dubai. Both, Matias Defederico, Gaston Sangoy scored, winning it for the team. The fourth and final match was played against Al Arabi; a second division team from the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain. This exciting match was a draw with both teams scoring two goals each. For Mumbai City FC, the goals came from Gerson Viera and Boithang Haokip.
Commenting on the victorious spirit of Mumbai City FC head coach Alexandre Guimaraes said, “The team is returning to Mumbai unbeaten which is a very good thing. We played some tough opponents, in really hot conditions, and the boys pulled through when needed. To be here for 35 days has really helped the team understand me and each other better, and we are more prepared for the season every day.”
Mumbai City FC CEO Indranil Das Blah said, “We are heading into the season a lot more prepared than in the past. The team has looked really good in the pre-season and Alexandre is doing some great stuff with the boys. We can see everyone put in that extra yard during practice, helping each other out, and there is a great unity within the team. We hope to carry the unbeaten pre-season spirit into the season and provide the fans with a successful ISL.”
The team spirit of Mumbai City FC was seen off the ground as well with the players visiting top tourist spots in and around Dubai. Players including Roberto Netto, Leo Costa, Ashutosh Mehta, Gerson Vieira and Albino Gomes experienced the famous desert safari. Diego Forlan, Lucian Goian, Roberto Netto and Leo Costa visited the iconic Burj Khalifa and the stunning Jumeirah beach.
