I-League: 1-1 Stalemate between Dempo SC and Mumbai FC

Mumbai FC thwarted Dempo SC’s surge to the top three of the I-League ladder with a late goal for a 1-1 draw in an I-League clash at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao on Saturday evening.

Brazilian midfielder Roberto Mendes Silva had provided Dempo with a first half lead. The former champions appeared to be cruising to a victory which would have taken taken them into the third spot ahead of East Bengal. But Mumbai FC had different ideas and won a point after Alfred Jayran scored in the 89th minute to secure a precious draw.

Dempo were not exactly at their best against Mumbai FC, a side described as ‘tricky’ by coach Arthur Papas, but the Brazilian midfielder’s free-kick from just outside the danger zone had given them the edge till the final minute.

Most of the eyes were centred around Dempo’s Australian striker Tolgay Ozbey, who scored four goals in the previous clash against Churchill Brothers, but on this day there were no such heroics as Mumbai FC gave him little space to operate. Tolgay tried his best to wriggle his way out in the first 45 minutes but with little luck. His best chance was in the 35th minute when a back pass from Sandesh Jhingan was intercepted by him but the Australian ended up fouling Khelemba Meitei.

Dempo opened their account when Jewel Raja Sheikh was fouled just outside the box as he made a darting run. A free-kick was promptly awarded and Beto delivered with a stunning free-kick.

Until the equaliser, Mumbai FC did not have too many chances. The closest they got was early in the second session when a throw-in from Rahul Bheke provided an opening for Ashutosh Mehta but the latter fluffed his chance. At the other end, Tolgay could have well doubled Dempo’s lead but the Australian striker went for an ambitious overhead kick which sailed wide after being picked up by Romeo Fernandes.

Dempo were jolted late in the game when Mumbai FC scored an equaliser much against the run of play. A long throw-in from Rahul saw Alfred tower over the Dempo defence to head home the equaliser with only a minute left on the clock and shock the hosts.