Goa: Rahul Bheke’s 86th-minute goal helped Mumbai City FC to remain the table topper. Ahmed’s free-kick made its way to Bheke as Chennaiyin goalkeeper Vishal Kaith bottled up. The long-awaited second-half consolidate goal came as Mumbai was strong enough with possession.
The PJN Stadium in Fatorda witnessed a dominant Mumbai who tried quite a few times before finally netting. Chennaiyin FC had a good start but couldn’t stop Mumbai from getting the ball and keeping it in the opponent’s half. Dictating the tempo of the game, Cassio Gabriel looked sharp enough to put up the first chance which fell to Igor Angulo after Vishal Kaith made an easy collection and Angulo was on hand to take a swipe but the striker found the outside of the post to his and Mumbai’s dismay. Angulo made another chance in the 22nd minute but the shot was wide enough to become the opener. Chennaiyin finds it quite difficult to get the ball out at the other half as the league leaders made a strong possession with more passes.
The second half was more of a defensive play from Chennaiyin as the Islanders invaded continuously. Vishal proved to be reactive today with his saves as Gabriel fired in the 70th minute. Bheke scored his maiden for Mumbai from Jahouh’s free-kick passing Vishal who had to merely watch the ball being netted.
Courtesy of the result, Mumbai are now 15 points from six matches whereas Chennaiyin dropped themselves to fifth with eight points from five matches.
