Another goalless draw for Mumbai
Mumbai City FC staved off a late challenge from rampaging FC Goa to play out a goalless draw in their Indian Super League match here on Monday. This was the third consecutive goalless finish for the hosts.
They now stay fifth with 12 points while FC Goa also stay seventh with nine points.
Brazilian forward Andre Moritz started for Mumbai City replacing medio Tiago Ribeiro as the home side went in search of goals. Moritz had scored the only hat- trick of the tournament at this venue against FC Pune City but since then the Peter Reid- managed team have scored just three goals in seven games now.
The visitors also made one change replacing midfielder Peter Carvalho with forward Gabriel Fernandes. They had a first sniff when Mandar Desai effort from a tight angle was well over after ball Narayan Das fed him in the fourth minute.
Mumbai City took charge and defender Gregory Arnolin fumbled while making a clearance allowing Nicolas Anelka to pounce on it but his masterly chip sailed just over.
FC Goa created their second chance when Fernandes won a ball and made neat run before launching a grounder. Subrata Paul had to dive full length towards his right to get fingertips to it and keep it out.
The intensity grew wit both sides attacking at every chance. Tolgay Ozbey and Youness Bengelloun had their moments up front but Subrata was up to it. The 55,000 capacity ground was half full and home support for the Ranbir Kapoor co- owned side charged up during the break when he and actor Aamir Khan took the field.
But it was FC Goa who threatened much after change of ends and Ozbey had a free sight at goal once before Peter Costa made a brave challenge to intercept his shot. On the hour, skipper Manuel Friedrich headed just over. Moritz who was working hard upfront thought he had a penalty on couple of occasions but the decisions went against him.
Under pressure Mumbai City survived three back to back corners and then a quick counter saw Moritz’s finishing shot find the woodwork. The Goans then found the upright from an Ozbey shot and it summed up an even game played with good spirit.