I-League: Spoils shared between Mohun Bagan and Mumbai FC

Mohun Bagan played out a 1-1 draw with Mumbai FC in a round 14 I-League clash at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. Mohammed Rafi gave Mumbai an early lead but Mohun Bagan salvaged a point thanks to a late equaliser from substitute C.S. Sabeeth.

Both sides now have 15 points from 13 matches with Mumbai FC extending their unbeaten run to four games.

Mumbai FC had the perfect start to the game as they went in front as early as the 10th minute. A corner from Nicholas Rodrigues was headed on by Anwar to Rafi whose half volley went into the back of the net. Mohun Bagan were guilty of poor marking and struggled to impose themselves in the first quarter of the game with Mumbai FC’s Yusif Yakubu causing problems to their defence.

The home side wasted a golden opportunity to equalise midway through the first-half when Christopher Chizoba sent Manish Bhargav clean through on goal but the youngster couldn’t test Mumbai FC keeper Nidhinlal as his effort was blocked. The visitors also suffered a blow as defender Anwar went off with an injury and was replaced by Afghan international Ahmad Arash Hatifie.

Mohun Bagan saw more of the ball after that chance but it was Mumbai FC who continued to look dangerous on the counter attacks. The Mariners though had another great opening when Denson Devadas‘ pass found Bhargav free in the box but the young medio couldn’t hit the target.

Sabeeth replaced Ram Malik at the interval and Mumbai FC squandered a good chance to double their advantage at the start of the second half as Rafi failed to test keeper Sandip Nandy. Mohun Bagan’s first big chance of the second period fell to skipper Odafe Onyeka Okolie after a nice cross by Sabeeth but the Nigerian’s effort was weak and off target.

The Kolkata club were sending in a lot of crosses and even won plenty of corners but the deliveries weren’t good enough. At the other end, Yakubu was threatening to increase Mumbai FC’s lead but was lacking support from his teammates.

The equaliser for the green-and-maroon brigade came in the 80th minute through Sabeeth who showed some good individual skills to go past a couple of Mumbai FC defenders before slotting home past Nidhinlal. Both sides had chances to win the game late on with Yakubu having the best one as he was left unmarked in a corner but the Ghanaian failed to score for the visitors.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)