Extend their unbeaten winning streak to nine

Mumbai City FC 2-1 (HT 1-1) triumph in their penultimate league match against Odisha FC of the ongoing Indian Super League  (ISL) 2023-24 at the Mumbai Football Arena on Monday night saw the Rahul Bheke led side extend their unbeaten run to nine. With 14 wins from 21 games and 47 points the Islanders retained their supremacy among the 12 participating teams and are a step closer to retaining their League Winners title. They next take on their arch rivals and second-placed Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), who too are in contention for the League Winners title after having accumulated 42 points from 20 matches in the final league match of the tourney on Monday 15th April

MCFC Argentinian recruit Jorge Pereyra Diaz scored the opener in the 22nd minute with his fierce strike inside the box after a from defence-splitting cutback by their winger Lallianzuala Chhangte after a brilliant long ball from defender Mehtab Singh.

However, the Islanders couldn’t keep their lead for long as Diego Mauricio equalized the scoreline within three minutes, as made the best of on an unintentional pass by Mumbai City FC goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa. At the break, both teams were tied 1-1.

After a cautious start by both sides after change of ends, the hosts showcased more intent and positivity to, with a series of attack in front of Odisha FC's defence line with experienced Chhangte playing his 50^th game for the Islanders, being at the fulcrum.  Their hard work paid off in the 61st minute when Chhangte secured the winning goal with a clever move inside the box as he capitalized on Diaz's deflected pass off a Akash Mishra’s delivery inside the box. With rival custodian Arminder off tracked the fleet footed Chhangte deposited the ball in the top right corner, which in the end proved to be Mumbai City FC’s crucial winning goal, even though the Kalinga Warriors displayed their desperation to stage a bounce back in the nervy final minutes of the game.

Lachenpa made up for his earlier error and stood strong under the bars for the Petr Kratky coached MCFC side, in the face of opportunities created by his former team mate Mourtada Fall and Puitea  for an equalizer.

MCFC’s Lallianzuala Chhangte was latter nominated the Key Performer of the Match for completing 14 out of his 17 passes, making a tackle and a clearance each. In addition he created four goal-scoring opportunites for his MCFC team mates, while assisting and netting assisting once himself

MCFC Czeck-Australian Head Coach Petr Kratky post the match thoroughly praised his attackers and also remained optimistic about carrying forward their nine-match unbeaten streak. "They are all fantastic players. We are happy with Diaz’s comeback in the starting 11 and scored a goal which is the most important thing for a striker. Chhangte brilliance to win 1v1 duels and get into the box allows him to not only create goal scoring option Also, Vikram Partap and Bipin Singh are doing well. So, sometimes it becomes very difficult for me to pick (the players) in the playing XI”, said a satisfied Petr Kratky, after his team’s win that dashed hopes of Odisha FC and FC Goa of winning the ISL League Winners Shield.

Result:

Mumbai City FC 2 (Jorge Pereyra Diaz 22’, Lallianzuala Chhangte 61’) beat  Odisha FC 1 (Diego Mauricio 25’) (HT 1-1).

Photo Above: Mumbai City FC players rejoice after scoring a 2-1 victory over Odisha FC in the ongoing ISL 2023-24