A thrilling encounter that saw Mumbai City create history by levelling FC Goa’s record for the longest unbeaten run in a season of 12 games as they held Chennaiyin FC to a 1-1 draw.
In the first 15 minutes, it was Csaba László’s side who has the upper hand again the Islanders. It was a tough start to the game for the Golden Glove leader Amrinder Singh as he was brought into action by Chhangte in the 2nd minute and Amrinder denied Chennaiyin an earlier lead. Just two minutes later, Esmael Goncalves’s shot forced Mumbai City FC’s number 1 to make a save.
The Islanders couldn’t hold themselves back and came close to break the deadlock in the first 10 minutes. Vignesh Dakshinamurthy and Rayneir Fernandes combined well to give Mumbai an early advantage but the finish was not upto the mark.
Five minutes later, Mumbai City FC’s talisman Hugo Boumous set up an opportunity for Rowllin Borges but the Indian International’s effort was ruled out by and equally god save by Vishal Kaith.
It didn’t took much time for Sergio Lobera’s side to score their 19th goal of the season as Ogbeche netted in 9th goal against Chennaiyin FC. Bipin Singh’s great right footed delivery in the box and Big Man Bart climbed above everyone and netted past Vishal in the 21st minute.
The Two time Champions created a number of attacks but failed to penetrate the Islanders’ backline on every occasion. Thoi Singh created two chances but yet again there was no one to give it the most important finishing touch.
The second half saw the Marina Machans hold ball possession and put all the pressure on the League leaders but things took a different turn very quickly as Amay Ranawade found himself in a scoring position and did release a beautiful curler through his weak foot but missed the target in a matter of inches.
Csaba László side were awarded a free-kick and Reagen Singh’s delivery was pushed out by Amrinder in 70th minute. Chennaiyin FC looked dangerous on every occasion and they did restore parity when Jacub Sylvestr was brought by Ahmed Jahouh and the referee pointed to the spot.
A typical Esmael Goncalves penalty saw things coming back to level terms. Mumbai City FC made four changes following the penalty as new recruit Jackichand Singh, Adam le Fondre, Mehtab Singh and Cy Goddard replaced Bipin Singh, Bartholomew Ogbeche, Rayneir and Hernan Santana respectively.
Mumbai City FC’s top scorer Adam le Fondre created a chance when he released a shot through his left foot but Vishal had it covered. The closing stages of the game saw Mumbai piling up all the pressure on Chennaiyin but couldn’t manage anything more than a draw.
Hero of the Match: Amey Ranawade
Amay Ranawade has come starter in Sergio Lobera’s new outfit. He contributions were felt in both the ends of the pitch and deservingly bagged the Hero of the match award.