Reigning champions Mumbai City FC registered a commanding 3-0 win over Mohammedan SC in the ongoing Indian Super League 2024-25 much to the delight of their home fans who thronged the Mumbai Football Arena, Andheri in large numbers on Sunday evening.

Coming at the back of their 1-1 draw against Punjab FC in a away match that was played at the at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi earlier this month, despite 60.8% of the possession, the Islanders looked sharp and in control throughout the match, against their spirited rivals who were unbeaten in their last four outings, once again defended resolutely for nearly three fourth of the match.

An own goal by their defender 18 minutes before the final whistle however resulted in slew of goals from captain Lallianzuala Chhangte and  Thaer Krouma in space of four minutes, that ensured Mumbai City FC full three points and more importantly a fifth place as a result of this triumph, leapfrogging Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC with 27 points (only a point behind Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC) from 17 games.

The host kicked off the proceedings on the front foot, quickly applying pressure and creating several chances early in the match. In the opening minute, Vikram Partap Singh surged down the wing and delivered a pass into the path of Bipin Singh, whose attempt narrowly missed the target.

Another opportunity came moments later when Bipin Singh, who became the first player to make 150th appearance for Mumbai City FC, cut inside and capatalised on a delivery following Chhangte’s quick footwork down the middle. The former attempt on the bottom left corner was saved by quick reflexes shown by visiting goalkeeper Padam Chhetri, resulting in Mumbai earning their first corner of the game.

As the game progressed, the hosts continued to press. In the 20th minute, Jon Toral sent a pass into the box for Chhangte. Chhangte then laid it off for Vikram, who got a shot away, but it went wide of the target.

Brazilian midfielder Carlos Henrique Matheus Franca ensured that Andrey Chernyshov’s side didn’t sit back to absorb all pressure. They hit Mumbai City FC on a fast break, and Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak culminated this move by spotting Franca on the outside of the box, but the latter shot high and wide on the left to alert the Mumbai City FC backline.

In the 28th minute, Thaer Krouma found space in midfield and fired a long-range attempt, but it sailed off target. Just minutes before the break, Jon Toral once again demonstrated his vision, threading a perfectly timed through ball to Bipin, who made a well-timed run behind the defense. However, Bipin’s attempt failed to find the mark as his shot went wide.

After a goalless first half, Mumbai City FC wasted no time in picking up where they left off in the second. The Islanders pressed forward with intent, and Vikram found Chhangte in the box, whose effort rattled the post, but the deadlock remained

In the 66th minute, Mumbai made their first substitution, bringing on Jorge Ortíz to replace Vikram Partap Singh. The Spaniard, a new signing, was making his debut appearance for the Islanders and quickly slotted into the attack with energy and sharp movement.

The breakthrough finally came in the 72nd minute when a mix-up in defense proved costly for Mohammedan, even as Chhetri charged high up to overcome the situation, but left plenty of space unmarked. Gaurav Bora in the heat of play inadvertently headed the ball into his own net, handing Mumbai City FC a deserved lead.

Six minutes later, Mumbai City FC doubled their advantage. Lallianzuala Chhangte deployed in a new role as no. 9 in the absence of Nikolaos Karelis, with Bipin and Vikram on the wings, found the centre of the net with his left-footed strike, en-route a heavy deflection from Bora, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and put Mumbai firmly in control at 2-0.

Soon after, in the 82nd minute, Chhangte delivered a dangerous cross into the box, which deflected towards Krouma. With composure, the Syrian based defender executed a precise side-footed finish, slotting the ball past the keeper to make it 3-0 to ensure a convincing outing for the Islanders.

Mumbai City FC’s Lallianzuala Chhangte who completed 26 out of his 32 attempted passes, tackling once, creating two goal-scoring chances, crossing six times, and netting once, was named the Key Performer of the Match.

After having lost two-match by a 0-3 margin in a row at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai City FC Head Coach Petr Kratky was elated after his side secured the well-earned result in front of their home supporters.

“I think we played very good football today and am very proud of everyone who was involved in that, and now it's about repeating it. As I said after the Punjab FC game, I believe we are getting a strong finish to the season, and again, the group does very well. They train properly and put in everything they can, so they are getting rewarded slowly, slowly”.

Mumbai City FC host their next game against East Bengal FC on 31 January, whereas Mohammedan SC will be featuring against old foes and table toppers Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Kolkata derby on 1 February.

Result: Mumbai City FC 3 (Gaurav Bora OG 72’, Lallianzuala Chhangte 78’, Thaer Krouma 82’) beat Mohammedan SC 0. (HT 0-0)

Photo Cover: Mumbai City FC nippy winger Bipin Singh who has been one of the stalwarts of the club, became the first player to play 150th match for the two times ISL champions receives a specially a signed T Shirt from his Head Coach Petr Kratky

Photo Above:  MCFC's captain Lallianzuala Chhangte celebrates after scoring against MSC at Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai on Sunday (Photos courtesy ISL)