Shillong score late to hold Mumbai FC 1-1
Head coach Oscar Bruzon knew the implications of the result the previous evening when Churchill Brothers secured a big win over Chennai City FC to mathematically confirm Mumbai FC’S relegation status.
Bruzon fielded an all-indian lineup against Shillong Lajong with Siam Hanghal returning to the starting eleven after two months. Pratesh Shirodkar,nikhil Kadam and Shilton Silva also returned after lengthy absences. Shillong head coach Thangboi Singto fielded seven U-22 players in the starting eleven, an indicator about the club’s philosophy of developing youth and local players.
Two minutes into the match, Farukh Choudhury laid up Victorino Fernandes, who came up with a peach of a strike to put Mumbai 1-0 up. It was Mumbai’s second goal at Cooperage all season, and it lifted the mood in the stands, which had been forlorn for the majority of the season.
Mumbai FC played with a flat 4-4-2, their gameplay flowing mostly through the middle. Shillong attempted to counter them via the wings. Shillong carved a great chance when Yuta Kinowaki struck his half volley over the crossbar in the first half.
By the time the second half began, the battle lines were drawn. Shillong, who lacked energy in first session came out all guns blazing.
Kinawaki, who seemed the man capable to outsmart the Mumbai defence, struck the crossbar.
As the clock ticked, Kinawaki finally managed to find an inch of space to slot an unstoppable shot past Kattimani in added time.
EAST BENGAL BEAT MINERVA PUNJAB 3-1
East Bengal finally broke their losing streak with a 3-1 win over Minerva Punjab FC on Sunday.
East Bengal strikers Wedson Anselme (31st minute) and Robin Singh (52nd) struck on either side of the break before Bikash Jairu (90th) scored the best goal of the match in the closing stages as the Kolkata giants claimed victory in front of their home crowd.