Mumbai FC suffer second defeat

But despite doing all the hard work they could not prevent Shillong Lajong’s medio Boithang Haokip scoring from a well-executed second half free-kick and went down by a solitary 1-0 margin at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong on Sunday evening. Mumbai FC is sponsored by Playwin.

Both teams coming into the match following defeats in the first round expectedly were cautious in their approach and did not go flat out on the offensive. There was more of midfield action as there were not many goal-bound moves initiated by either team.

The Mumbai FC strikers Brazilian Josimar Da Silva, Mohammed Rafi and Ashutosh Mehta had their chances but could not convert them.

The visiting Mumbai outfit were also denied by the framework on at least two occasions. In the 73rd minute Rahul Bheke’s header crashed off the bar and later a deflected attempt at goals was cleared from the goalline by a Shillong defender.

The home side were boosted with the return of captain Aibor Khinhjee, who missed the first match due to injury and also started with foreign recruits Penn Orji and Cornell Glen to strengthen their attack. However, they were not able to dictate terms and put the Mumbai team under too much pressure.

But they converted from the best chance to snatch the winner. After Mumbai FC defender Justine Stephen pushed Orji outside the penalty area, Shillong’s Manipuri midfielder Haokip beat Mumbai FC goalkeeper Ghosh with a brilliant curling effort in the 57th minute.

Thereafter, Mumbai FC tried the best to create openings and have a clear shot at finding the equaliser but all their efforts proved futile.

Mumbai FC manager Henry Picardo said that it was not a great match and the weather was very cold. “We did not play well maybe because of the cold weather but overall it was
a poor performance from both teams. Shillong were also not up to the mark and the only bright moment for them was when Haokip scored from the free-kick,” Picardo said.

“Coach Jamil is very disappointed with the team as the players did not perform up to his expectations,” he added.

This was the second defeat for Mumbai FC, who had earlier lost to Mohun Bagan 1-3 in the first round. Mumbai FC will now travel to Pune for their third round clash against Pune FC on Feb 1.