Goa: Mourtada Fall of Mumbai City FC has been the highlight of season seven of the Hero Indian Super League. It was his goal against SC East Bengal which helped the Islanders to stay five points clear against their nearest rival ATK Mohun Bagan in the points table.
The match was important for both the team as both wanted to win for different reason. Mumbai wanted to win to stay at the top of the table and for East Bengal it was to continue with their seven match unbeaten run.
The match started with Mumbai attacking from the beginning to held on with their quest. East Bengal were finding it difficult to keep up with the pace in the beginning. The goal came in the 27th minute after a beautiful cross was delivered inside the box by Hugo Boumous and Fall made no mistake to slot it home.
Mumbai came close to increase their lead but Adam Le Fondre missed an easy header and the match stayed 1-0 in favor of the Islanders.
In the second half East Bengal coach Robbie Fowler made some important substitutions which changed the course of the match. East Bengal kept on attacking and also kept possession by their side but failed to score. Captain Danny Fox came close to equalize but it just went passed the post.
East Bengal played better football than the league leaders but the brilliance of Fall in defence created the difference and kept the Mumbai defence rock solid.
Sergio Lobera would be a happy man after this close victory against the Red and Gold brigade and his team is now five points clear to their nearest rival ATK Mohun Bagan who are sitting at the second spot with 24 points.
