Mumbai FC were not at their very best, but still managed to snatch a honourable 1-1 draw with Sporting Clube de Goa in an 18th round I-League match, played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Margao, Goa on Wednesday. Playwin is the official sponsor of Mumbai FC.
The Mumbai club, without coach Khalid Jamil, played second fiddle to the Goans for long spells of the match. But the Mumbai side put up a dogged defence against the home side who launched a series of attacks and came from behind to share the spoils and a valuable point.
Alber Gonsalves headed the Goans in front in the 13th minute when he did well to reach the end of a swerving cross from Brandon Fernandes in the 13th minute. Mumbai FC restored parity when substitute Amoes Do swung a crisp free kick from the right and Sporting Clube’s defender Joseph Clement headed the ball into his own goal in the 61st minute.
A little later, Mumbai FC’s reliable goalkeeper Nidhinlal A.C. showed great anticipation and agility as he lunged backwards to palm over a headed effort from Brandon Fenandes in the 64th minute.
Thereafter, the Goans created a couple of chances, but without much success and had to settle for a division of two points.
Manager Henry Picardo, who was in charge of the team, was satisfied with the draw and the point earned. “It’s a very good point for us,” Picardo said after the match.
“We did not perform as per our expected level but managed to win a point and with East Bengal defeating Salgaocar in Kolkata, we will move above the Goans,” Picardo stated. “The early start (4.30 pm kick-off) and the humid conditions certainly affected the players and still they gave their best,” added Picardo.
This was the sixth draw for Mumbai FC who now have 15 points from as many games and stay in mid-table (6th place). Sporting Clube continue to stay at the bottom with 11 points also from 15 games.
If Dempo SC, Goa defeat Royal Wahingdoh in a late on Wednesday, they will move to sixth place ahead of Mumbai FC.
Mumbai FC next match is against Royal Wahingdoh on Sunday, April 26.
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