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Mumbai FC’s 5-match unbeaten run was brought to a halt by Air India who emerged 4-1 victors in an I-League Round 10 away encounter at the Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune on Sunday.
Ezeh Henry (36th minute) and Micky Fernandes (40th) put the host 2-0 up inside the first half before Yusif Yakubu (45+1st) pulled one back for Mumbai FC. However strikes from Vijith Shetty (72nd) and Souvik Chakraborty (90+2nd) rounded off the scoreline in favour of the Airmen.
Mumbai FC went into the Mumbai-derby with one change to their starting lineup. Medio Darren Caldeira replaced Subhas Chakraborty as Yakubu once again was paired along with Gabriel Fernandes upfront.
The game began with both sides forced into creating moves from their own half. Mumbai FC created the first chance of the game in the 12th minute when Yakubu got into a good position inside the box. However, the striker’s left-footed attempt hit the side-netting.
Mid-way through the first half, Gabriel almost gave Mumbai FC the lead as his shot came off the woodwork after he was sent in the clear on the left by Nicholas Rodrigues. The striker managed to cut past a defender before unleashing a shot from distance only to be denied by the post.
At the other end, Mumbai FC custodian Luis Barreto saved a powerful freekick from Air India skipper Micky Fernandes to deny the hosts. Ten minutes later, James Singh’s ambitious try from 35-yards out was saved easily by the hosts’ keeper
Six minutes after the half-hour mark, Air India took the lead against the run of play. E. Junior sent his strike partner Henry in the clear. Some sloppy play by the Mumbai FC defense allowed Henry to get through as he calmly slotted the ball home.
Four minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage through Micky. Souvik Chakraborty’s corner in from the right was headed out by the defense. The ball came into the path of Micky, who from the top of the box unleashed an unstoppable volley past Barreto.
Coach Khalid Jamil then brought on Abhishek Yadav in place of Caldeira to strengthen the attack. A minute into injury time Mumbai FC pulled one back through Yakubu. Medio James found Gabriel in the clear on the right. The striker pulled back into the box to set up Yakubu who placed it past ‘keeper Sukhwinder Singh at the far post.
Mumbai FC went into the break trailing 1-2.
Mumbai FC began the second half the way the ended the first. A minute into kickoff, Abhishek’s header was saved on the line by the Air India ‘keeper.
Seven minutes later, Evans Quao’s header from a corner at the far post was saved by the keeper who palmed it out to safety. Mumbai FC thereafter dominated proceedings creating a host of chances.
Two minutes after the hour mark, Yakubu’s powerful strike from 25-yards out hit the post. A minute later Ashutosh Mehta’s attempt from inside the box was saved by the ‘keeper.
Ten minutes later Abhishek found the net but his effort was ruled out for offside. At the other end, Vijith put the Airmen 3-1 up with a nice finish. Souvik’s spare pass inside the box left acres of space for Vijith to finish.
Jayesh Rane was then brought on to replace James as Mumbai FC looked to score. Into the final ten minutes, Gabriel’s attempt from top of the box was once again saved by Sukhwinder.
Minutes later, Abhishek failed to score with a volley into the empty net after Sukhwinder had left his position to intercept an aerial ball.
Into added time, Souvik rounded off the scoreline after Vijith’s blocked attempt which fell into his path after a save from Mumbai FC custodian Barreto.