Mumbai City FC has had an amazing stint in this year’s Hero Indian Super League. They have had a formidable line-up and the results to show for it. Also, they have been at the top of the points table for a good part of the season. Now at the business end of the tournament, it was a vital match to snatch 3 points to further their lead from the Mariners. However, fate didn’t let them emerge victorious in today’s match even when they were so close to winning it, and a grave mistake cost them their win. Still, they extended their unbeaten streak to 12 matches as today’s match ended as a draw.
The match started on a very positive note for the Islanders as Mumbai City FC’s Raynier Fernandes couldn’t find the goal early on, just 5 minutes into the match. Vignesh Dakshinamurthy made a sparkling run inside the box at the far post and landed a low cross for Raynier but the latter couldn’t keep his shot on target. It was a big opportunity for the Islanders to take the lead early on in the game but they just couldn’t keep the ball in.
Even though Mumbai FC missed the goal opportunity, they kept their firm hand in the match from thereon. Bartholomew Ogbeche scored off a header and the deadlock was broken in the 21st minute. Mumbai City FC was looking dangerous and their first goal too came in a domineering fashion. Amey Ranawade‘s long throw-in went inside the box and after a couple of touches inside their opponent’s box, Bipin Singh sent in a lofted ball inside the penalty area. Bartholomew Ogbeche claimed it and headed the ball home. It was some poor defending from the Marina Machans and the Islanders made no mistake in converting this time around.
There came a few opportunities mainly for Mumbai City FC but they just couldn’t finish the attempts. On the other hand, their goal scorer Bartholomew Ogbeche proved vital in both ends as he made an amazing save in the defensive sector. Memo Moura‘s delivery just couldn’t get past him as he put it out for a corner.
It was in the 75th minute when Mumbai City FC conceded a penalty from an obvious mistake by Ahmed Jahouh. Jahouh was pressurized by Jakub Sylvestr inside his own penalty box and ended up taking down his rival.
The referee immediately blew his whistle at this incident. Esmael Goncalves made no mistake in converting the penalty and this got Chennaiyin FC their much-needed equaliser. There were no more goals for the rest of the match and it ended in a 1-1 draw.
Hero of the Match: Amey Ranawade
The Club Award was shared between the two sides owing to the draw and the DHL Winning Pass of the Match went to Bipin Singh. The Hero of the Match award was handed to Amey Ranawade for his tireless efforts at the right back.
Mumbai City FC would be disappointed with the result as they had conceded a careless penalty goal. They take on NorthEast United FC on the 30th of January. On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC would face Hyderabad FC on the 31st of January.
