Chennai: Bipin Singh netted a match-winning brace as Mumbai City FC rode their luck at times to record a crucial 2-0 win over Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Friday.
After opening the scoring in the 71st minute, Bipin sealed the deal in the first minute of stoppage time for Mumbai, whose unbeaten run extended to three matches.Mumbai moved to second on the table and are tied on points – 31 – with table-toppers Odisha FC in the race to the League Winners Shield. Chennaiyin are ninth with 15 points.
CFC started the game by playing high-pressing football, but were guilty of not taking their chances. Their first opportunity came in the 15th minute when Rafael Crivellaro used the space offered by Mumbai’s defence in the 18-yard box. But his left-footed shot was thwarted away by MCFC custodian Phurba Lachenpa.
Soon, Ninthoi intercepted Rahul Bheke’s lazy pass and made a dashing run but Lachenpa again came to Mumbai’s rescue. While Chennaiyin kept their attacking intent going, MCFC were constantly testing right-back Sarthak Golui. Akash Mishra and Vikram Pratap Singh made good overlapping runs on multiple occasions, but failed to open the account.
Towards the end of the first half, CFC could have taken the lead through Farukh Choudhary but Mishra made a goal-line clearance. Choudhary chipped the ball over a diving Lachenpa, but he was unlucky to find Mishra, who was the last man standing. After soaking in the pressure, MCFC emerged as the better side in the second period. Centre-back Thaer Krouma drew a foul from Lazar Cirkovic inside the area with a mazy run and referee Rahul Gupta did not hesitate to point to the spot. But former Chennaiyin forward Lallianzuala Chhangte, who took the penalty duties, struck the ball over the bar.
Krouma again created a chance and delivered a cross which evaded CFC central defender Ryan Edwards. Substitute Bipin, who was stationed behind Edwards, placed the ball to the left of goalkeeper Debjit Majumder and found the back of the net.
In stoppage time, Bipin doubled the advantage after scoring a goal with his weaker foot, catching Majumder ball watching.
After opening the scoring in the 71st minute, Bipin sealed the deal in the first minute of stoppage time for Mumbai, whose unbeaten run extended to three matches.Mumbai moved to second on the table and are tied on points – 31 – with table-toppers Odisha FC in the race to the League Winners Shield. Chennaiyin are ninth with 15 points.
CFC started the game by playing high-pressing football, but were guilty of not taking their chances. Their first opportunity came in the 15th minute when Rafael Crivellaro used the space offered by Mumbai’s defence in the 18-yard box. But his left-footed shot was thwarted away by MCFC custodian Phurba Lachenpa.
Soon, Ninthoi intercepted Rahul Bheke’s lazy pass and made a dashing run but Lachenpa again came to Mumbai’s rescue. While Chennaiyin kept their attacking intent going, MCFC were constantly testing right-back Sarthak Golui. Akash Mishra and Vikram Pratap Singh made good overlapping runs on multiple occasions, but failed to open the account.
Towards the end of the first half, CFC could have taken the lead through Farukh Choudhary but Mishra made a goal-line clearance. Choudhary chipped the ball over a diving Lachenpa, but he was unlucky to find Mishra, who was the last man standing. After soaking in the pressure, MCFC emerged as the better side in the second period. Centre-back Thaer Krouma drew a foul from Lazar Cirkovic inside the area with a mazy run and referee Rahul Gupta did not hesitate to point to the spot. But former Chennaiyin forward Lallianzuala Chhangte, who took the penalty duties, struck the ball over the bar.
Krouma again created a chance and delivered a cross which evaded CFC central defender Ryan Edwards. Substitute Bipin, who was stationed behind Edwards, placed the ball to the left of goalkeeper Debjit Majumder and found the back of the net.
In stoppage time, Bipin doubled the advantage after scoring a goal with his weaker foot, catching Majumder ball watching.