Mumbai City FC continued their undefeated streak with a 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters in an Indian Super League (ISL) match at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. The first half goals from Mehtab Singh and Jorge Diaz were enough to secure all three points for the Islanders. Kerala Blasters lost their third straight match after winning the ISL opener earlier this month. The hosts have made two changes to the squad that lost in Bhubaneswar last week. Ruivah Hormipam was replaced by Victor Mongil. Up front, Ivan Kaliuzhnyi fell to the bench while Rahul Kannoly Praveen took his place in the starting line-up.
Mumbai City made just one change to their line-up — Diaz returned to the starting XI when Alberto Noguera fell on the bench.
The Islanders took the lead after 21 minutes. The hosts were unable to clear a corner as the ball bounced off a pair of Blasters players before reaching Mehtab Singh, who hit the ball into the back of the net.
Ten minutes later, Diaz allowed one-on-one on the keeper due to a poor defense by Marko Leskovic. The Argentine kept his composure before scoring against his former club when the visitors doubled their advantage.
The goal came a minute after Mongil Lallianzuala denied Chhangte with a superb tackle.
The defense of Mumbai City thwarted quite a few attempts by the Blasters. Sahal Abdul Samad’s attack from a tight corner was saved comfortably by Phurba Lachenpa before Rahul KP’s tame volley went wide in the 33rd minute.
Three minutes later, a powerful evasive free kick by Adrian Luna was parried to safety by Lachenpa.
Kerala Blasters did better in the second half. The hosts managed to push the islanders within their own half as the Mumbai City defenses faced a barrage of Blasters attacks.
Dimitrios Diamantakos’ low shot was snatched away by the keeper before Jeakson Singh headed 57 minutes past Jeakson Singh’s header from the resulting corner.
As the game moved into the final quarter, Luna’s attempt from the penalty area hit the post before landing at the feet of Jessel Carneiro. The fullback adjusted his position and passed the ball over the goal to Rahul KP, who headed the ball wide.
The Blasters pushed Mumbai City into their own half, but failed to put the finishing touches in the 18-yard box.
promoted
The win moved Mumbai City to second on the points list with two wins and two draws after four matches in the ISL. They are one point behind leaders Odisha FC and their next match is at home against ATK Mohun Bagan FC on November 6.
The woes pile up for the Blasters as they remain ninth with just one win in four games. They will make the long journey to Guwahati on November 5 to face NorthEast United FC. PTI PDS PDS BS BS
Topics mentioned in this article