Mumbai FC and Mohun Bagan share points in Kalyani

Mohun Bagan and Mumbai FC play out a draw

Airtel i-League 2013-14

Kalyani Stadium, Kalyani

12.12.2013

McDowell Mohun Bagan 1-1 Mumbai FC

MB: CS Sabeeth(80th)

MFC: Mohammed Rafi(10th)

McDowell Mohun Bagan played out a 1-1 draw with Mumbai FC in the round 14 clash of the Airtel I-League at the Kalyani Stadium in Kalyani on Wednesday afternoon. Mohammed Rafi gave Mumbai an early lead but Mohun Bagan salvaged a point thanks to a late equaliser from substitute CS Sabeeth.

Both sides have 15 points now from 13 matches with Mumbai extending their unbeaten run to four games.

Mumbai had the perfect start to the game as they went in front as early as the 10th minute. A corner from Nicholas Rodrigues was headed on by Anwar Ali to Rafi whose half volley went into the back of the net.

Mohun Bagan were guilty of poor marking there and struggled to impose themselves in the first quarter of the game with Mumbai’s Yusif Yakubu causing problems to their defence.

The home side wasted a golden opportunity to equalise midway through the first half when Christopher Chizoba sent Manish Bhargav clean through on goal but the youngster couldn’t test Mumbai keeper Nidhinlal as his effort was blocked.

The visitors also suffered a blow as defender Anwar went off with an injury and was replaced by Afghan international Ahmad Arash Hatifie.

Mohun Bagan saw more of the ball after that chance but it was Mumbai FC who continued to look dangerous on the counter attacks. The Mariners though had another great opening when Denson Devadas’ pass found Bhargav free in the box but the young medio couldn’t hit the target.

Sabeeth replaced Ram Malik at the interval and Mumbai squandered a good chance to double their advantage at the start of the second half as Rafi failed to test Sandip Nandy.

Mohun Bagan’s first big chance of the second period fell to skipper Odafa Okolie after a nice cross by Sabeeth but the Nigerian’s effort was weak and off target.

The Kolkata club were sending in a lot of crosses and even won plenty of corners but the deliveries weren’t good enough. At the other end, Yakubu was threatening to increase Mumbai’s lead but was lacking support from his teammates.

The equaliser for the green-and-maroon brigade came in the 80th minute through Sabeeth who showed some good individual skills to go past a couple of Mumbai defenders before slotting past Nidhinlal.

Both sides had chances to win the game late on with Yakubu having the best one as he was left unmarked in a corner but the Ghanaian failed to score.

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About Debraj Banerjee

Hi, I am Debraj Banerjee from Adra, West Bengal. A keen follower of Indian football and always an optimist that the game will get the recognition it truely deserves. What we ask from you is your support and one day the dream might turn true. Fingers crossed for Indian football. Cheers!

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