Defending champions Mumbai City FC ended their winless streak with a 1-0 win against Chennaiyin FC in their latest Indian Super League clash. The Islanders had many chances coming their way but they failed to convert them until Vikram Pratap Singh scored the all-important goal in the 85th minute to hand them three crucial points and keep them in the top four hunt.
Head coach Des Buckingham was happy with the result as this win takes Mumbai City to the fifth spot and are well in contention to get back in the playoffs spots.
Coincidentally the Islanders defeated Chennaiyin FC by 1-0 in the first leg aswell and they ven scored in the 85th minute. There Rahul Bheke scored the solitary goal whereas ere it was Vikram Pratap.
Speaking on the win, the English tactician once again highlighted how he was focusing on building momentum and knew the win will come.
“It’s got a nice ring to it. Yes, I said it was only a matter of time, I’m very happy with how we’ve actually been playing. I think we’ve created enough chances this evening to win three or four games in one go. So I was very happy with the players and most of the reaction,” Buckingham began at the post-match press conference.
“I spoke before the game about creating momentum, very happy with how we did what we did last week, considering everything we’ve gone through in the last couple of weeks, and to come out and get that important goal as late as it was. I am very happy,” he added.
When quizzed whether this win could possibly be the turning point of the season, Buckingham was very logical in his explanation as he kept on pointing out the importance of building momentum. He wants the Islanders to keep on winning games from here.
“I think this win means that’s four points out of a possible six from the last two games and it’s important now that we kick on, we’ve got six more to go and we need to continue playing exactly the way that we just have there and working as hard as we have in the last two games to make sure we finish where we want,” he explained.
Lallianzuala Chhangte was adjudged the man of the match of this game. Chhangte has joined Mumbai City FC on loan for the remainder of the season from Chennaiyin FC. He was exceptional on the night against his former side and Buckingham loved his performance.
“I loved his performance. I think there’s always something when you face your old team and that picks you up a bit and that was the reason he started as well as the skill set he has and he contributed towards a lot of the good work that we did especially in the final third tonight. I was very happy with his impact,” the English tactician concluded.
