(Football news) Mumbai City FC are back in contention for a spot in the semi-finals after a 1-0 win over SC East Bengal at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Tuesday. A goal by Bipin Singh (51’) was all it took to secure three points for Des Buckingham’s who are now fourth on the table with 28 points.
SC East Bengal made a bright start to the match as Mahesh Naorem’s powerful shot was saved by Mohammad Nawaz. A few minutes before the half hour mark, Thongkhosiem Haokip had an excellent opportunity to find a breakthrough after being one-on–one with the goalkeeper but his poor first touch denied him the goal. SC East Bengal also had a penalty call denied when a faint touch by Mourtada Fall appeared to have brought Haokip down in the penalty area.
Despite dominating possession, Mumbai City FC could only create two meaningful opportunities in the first half. SC East Bengal defended resiliently and attacked the Islanders on the counter. Despite an interesting first half, both teams showed a lack of quality in the final third to break the deadlock as the score ended 0-0 when the first half whistle blew.
The second half began in a similar fashion as Mumbai City FC’s Mohammad Nawaz was forced to make a save. On the other end, Igor Angulo failed to convert a tap in from 10 yards out as the defending champions were left stunned by the nature of the miss. However, they finally got the breakthrough from Bipin Singh’s precise and powerful shot from outside the box which beat the goalkeeper at the near post.
SC East Bengal had an opportunity to equalise but Raju Gaikwad’s overhead shot was saved at point black range by Nawaz while Fran Sota failed to hit the target from the rebound attempt. Despite four minutes added for stoppages, it was Mumbai City FC who displayed grit, determination and teamwork to secure the three points. SC East Bengal will face NorthEast United in their next match on Monday, 28th February at Tilak Maidan while Mumbai City FC will take on FC Goa on Saturday, 26th February at the GMC Athletic Stadium.
Also read: Bengaluru FC keep semi-final hopes alive after defeating Odisha
