Football

Dominant Mumbai City FC come from behind to beat Indian Navy in the Durand Cup opener

 

Former Indian Super League champions Mumbai City FC came from behind to register their first win of the season as they defeated Indian Navy 4-1 in their Durand Cup opening fixture. Surprisingly the Indian Navy scored first in a match where everyone expected the Islanders to dominate.

It was Adarsh who broke the deadlock, a couple of minutes away from the halftime whistle. However Mumbai City FC retaliated with a great equalizer as Vikram Pratap Singh came up with a well worked goal right at the stroke of halftime. Hence both sides entered the dressing room on level terms.

The second half was more on expected lines as Mumbai City FC came out all guns blazing with players like Vikram, Bipin and Alberto Noguera all exerting themselves with great moves. However the Indian Navy tried their best to hold on and withstand constant attacks from the Islanders. The game changed after the hour mark as last season’s Golden Ball winner Gregg Stewart scored from the spot whereas super sub Lallianzuala Chhangte exploited theopening in the defence with his explosive pace and mazy runs. The winger scored two goals right at the death as Des Buckingham’s men finished at their dominant best with a statement second half at the Salt Lake Stadium.

The second half was a testament to the fact that Mumbai City can surely dominant large spells of play and that is exactly what they did with Ahmed Jahouh controlling the midfield as the Islanders kept on penetrating in the Indian Navy penalty area. But poorfinishing from Bipin Singh and Vikram Pratap Singh failed to capitalize on clear cut chances.

It was in the 65th minute when they go the breakthrough as Alberto Noguera made a driving run through the Navy backline but as he tried to run clear off the defenders, he was troipped down and penalty was awarded to Mumbai City. The spotkick was calmly converted by Stewart who promises to have a big season ahead for Des Buckingham and his men.

The introduction of Lallianzuala Chhangte made things much easier for the Islanders as he made some great runs down the penalty area and kept the Navy defenders on their toes. After many attack, Chhangte finally made it work when Jahouh found him on the right and he dribbled past a defender before slotting it past the goalkeeper.

A minute later Chhangte was in a good position as a rebound came straight towards him following a foul on Gurkirat Singh. CHhangte calmly netted the fourth goal and ended the game on a superb brace, proving Mumbai City’s squad depth.

Des Buckingham’s men will now face ATK Mohun Bagan on wednesday as Indian Navy will feature against East Bengal on Monday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024