Super Cup 2018: Qualifier 3, Mumbai City FC vs Indian Arrows, Talking Points
Super Cup action continued on the second day of qualifiers, as ISL franchise Mumbai City FC hosted I-League youngsters Indian Arrows at the Kalinga Sports Complex in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.
The Indian Arrows who impressed everyone with their spirited showing against the I-League teams despite finishing at the bottom of the standings. Mumbai City FC, who had finished top of the league last year in the Indian Super League had a poor season as they ended up on the seventh spot, missing the qualification spot for the main draw of the Super Cup.
The Indian Arrows put in a determined performance as they defended well to keep the Mumbai City FC attack at bay. Rahul Kanooly scored to give the young lads the lead in the match but Achille Emana and Everton Santos got the lead back for Mumbai as the Islanders won the qualifier match to enter the main draw. Mumbai City FC will take on East Bengal in the main draw of the Super Cup.
#1 Mumbai City FC dominate initial proceedings in the match
Mumbai City FC coach Alexandre Guimaraes fielded a full-strength side, perhaps after the two shock results from yesterday prompting him not to take the I-League side lightly. The Arrows had given a tough fight to a lot of the I-League clubs and were no piece of cake.
Mumbai City FC's midfield commanded the ball in the center and, quickly managed to assert the control over the game. Emana, who played as the No.10 behind the striker Balwant Singh kept finding the runs of his wingers with ease.
The young Arrows were struggling to keep hold of the ball and sat back in large numbers to defend. Their only attacking avenues were the wingers Aniket Jadhav and Rahul KP as they attempted to catch Mumbai on the counter.