Mumbai City FC rode on Rahul Bheke’s goal in the second half to consolidate their lead at the top of the table and end Chennaiyin FC’s undefeated streak in a Hero Indian Super League match at PJN Stadium on Wednesday in Fatorda. Bheke scored the winner in the 86th minute, making the most of a mistake by Vishal Kaith as the keeper recovered after Ahmed Jahouh sent Bheke off a free kick. Thanks to the result, Mumbai now has 15 points from six matches. Chennaiyin, meanwhile, dropped to fifth place with eight points from five games.
Chennaiyin had a good start, but in no time Mumbai was able to do what they do best, keep the ball and dictate the pace of the game.
Cassio Gabriel looked as sharp as ever, but the first chance fell to Igor Angulo after Vishal Kaith prepared a meal from an easy collection and Angulo was ready to take a swipe, but the seasoned striker found the outside of the pole much to the dismay of him and Mumbai.
Angulo had another chance to make it 1-0 for the Islanders in the 22nd minute when Ahmed Jahouh dined on a lovely ball for him, but the 37-year-old Spaniard shot wide.
Chennaiyin struggled to get the ball from their half as the front runners controlled possession.
The second period was more of the same as Mumbai tried to break through Chennaiyin’s resolute defence.
In the 70th minute Gabriel fired a first shot, but Vishal Kaith made a good reactive save and was called into action again to make a double save.
Mumbai head coach Des Buckingham caught up with Ygor Catatau for Angulo in search of that elusive goal, but it came from an unlikely angle in the 86th minute.
Bheke scored his first goal for the club and nodded in a free kick from Jahouh past Kaith, who tried his best but saw the ball fall into the back of the net.
Ariel Borysiuk fired a rocket from about 40 yards in the 89th minute, but the ball went just over the bar when Chennaiyin lost their first game of the season.
Read all the Latest News, Breaking News and Coronavirus News here.