Mumbai City secured all three points on the road with a gritty 2-1 victory over Inter Kashi, showing resilience in the closing stages to extend their unbeaten run.
The Islanders produced the first opening of the match in the 4th minute when skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte won possession high up the pitch and played a through ball to Ayush Chhikara. However, goalkeeper Lluis Tarres reacted quicker to gather the ball before the striker could get a clear attempt on goal.
Mumbai City continued to apply pressure in the opening phase. The visitors threatened again in the 11th minute when a long ball was played towards Jorge Ortiz, leading to a scramble of tackles inside the penalty area. Ayush Chhikara managed to get a shot away, but it was deflected behind for Mumbai City’s first corner. After working the set-piece short, Noufal delivering the ball towards Chhangte, but the skipper was unable to bring it under control, resulting in a goal kick.
Mumbai City continued to use possession patiently, controlling large spells of the game with composed build-up play. The hosts created a rare opportunity in the 42nd minute when Sergio Llamas attempted a shot following a long throw into the box which Phurba Lachenpa collected comfortably.
In the final minute of added time, Joni Kauko delivered a precise diagonal ball to Valpuia, whose cross was initially blocked and deflected out for a corner. The skipper delivered the cross and with the defence unable to clear their lines, Noufal reacted quickest to flick the ball into the net and give Mumbai City the lead at the stroke of half-time.
Inter Kashi began the second half on the front foot and equalized five minutes after the restart as Rohit Danu rose highest to meet a cross from the left wing and headed the ball into the net to bring the host’s level.
Mumbai City responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Captain Lallianzuala Chhangte found himself on the end of a well-worked move, receiving a pass from Jorge Ortiz before finishing from close range to restore the Islanders’ lead.
Mumbai City introduced Zothanpuia in place of Lalengmawia Tluanga in the 70th minute as they looked to maintain their attacking presence. The substitute was involved again in the 86th minute when the Islanders won a free kick on the left flank. Zothanpuia’s delivery tested goalkeeper Lluis Tarrés, who managed to punch the ball clear under pressure.
During the build-up to a free kick in the 4th minute of added time, Valpuia was shown a red card following an altercation with striker Petkevicius, reducing Mumbai City to ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Islanders showed strong defensive resolve as Inter Kashi committed numbers forward. The hosts earned multiple corners in the dying moments and forced Phurba Lachenpa into action. The goalkeeper produced two crucial saves under pressure to secure the victory for Mumbai City.
Just two points off the top spot, Petr Kratky’s side will look to carry this momentum into their next fixture on the road against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on 20th March.
