Mumbai FC held to a goalless draw by Pune FC

Mumbai FC was held to a goalless draw by state-rivals Pune FC in the second Maha-Derby of the season in the I-League at the Shree Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex, in Pune on Saturday.

This was Mumbai FC’s fifth consecutive draw in the I-League and also extended their unbeaten run to eight games. The hosts now stay in tenth place with 19 points after the Round-19 encounter.

Following a hard fought opening quarter, it was Pune FC who went close through ex-Mumbai FC player Gabriel Fernandes. However, the winger’s attempt from the edge of the box went wide.

After soaking pressure, Mumbai FC finally went close at the half hour mark through Mohammed Rafi. The striker controlled a missed clearance from Pune FC custodian Amrinder Singh before volleying it towards the goal. However, Amrinder produced a brilliant reflex save to palm over the attempt.

Minutes later, Ebi Sukore found himself free on the left. The defender controlled, cut past a defender and hit a low shot towards the first post which was somehow gathered by Amrinder.

At the other end, Pune FC created a few opportunities, but the home-side’s defense stood tall to clear all dangers as the score remained goalless going into the break.

In the second half, Mumbai FC survived a close moment. Ten minutes in, Pune FC defender Ranjan Singh’s header off a corner was cleared on the goalline before medio Dhanpal Ganesh’s rebound came off the woodwork.

Thereafter, both sides kept on pushing ahead in search of a goal. However, finishing in the final third let them down as the game ended goalless.