Mumbai City earned a point on the road after an evenly contested match against Jamshedpur FC which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The game saw both sides settle into a measured rhythm in the opening exchanges. The first opportunity of the match fell to the hosts in the 6th minute when a cross into the box caused problems but a goal-bound effort by Mohammed Sanan was headed clear by Nuno Reis before it could cross the goal line. The Islanders created a chance of their own in the 10th minute after Jamshedpur FC failed to deal with a free kick delivered by captain Lallianzuala Chhangte. The loose ball fell to Valpuia, whose shot took a deflection and went just wide of the target.
Mumbai City created another opening in the 15th minute, as Tluanga delivered a cross from the left flank for Chhangte, but the captain was unable to direct his header on target. Jamshedpur FC looked to build momentum as the half progressed and tested Phurba Lachenpa in the 30th minute as Messi Bouli controlled a cross from the left before getting a shot away. The Islanders’ goalkeeper produced a sharp save to keep the scores level.
After resolute defending in the later stages of the half, Mumbai City took the lead at the stroke of half-time. With two minutes of added time played, Brandon Fernandes’ shot from a difficult angle took a deflection which beat goalkeeper Albino Gomes and found the back of the net to give the Islanders the lead heading into the interval.
Restarting the game with intent, the hosts nearly found an equalizer in the 53rd minute when Nikola Stojanovic’s effort flew just over the crossbar following a well-worked move. The hosts continued to apply pressure, pushing Mumbai City deeper into their own half.
The Islanders brought on Zothanpuia for Tluanga in the 60th minute, as they looked to regain control of the contest. After absorbing sustained pressure, Mumbai City created a promising opportunity after a fast break from entire attacking unit in the 72nd minute. Noufal P.N. released Chhangte through on goal, but the skipper was unable to hit the target.
Mumbai City continued to show resilience at the back, with Nuno Reis making a another crucial contribution in the 81st minute. After a cross from the left found Vincy Barretto inside the box, his powerful volley was heading goalward before Reis produced a brilliant goal-line clearance. Jamshedpur FC eventually equalized from a corner kick moments before the 90-minute mark after substitute Sarthak Golui’s header struck the underside of the crossbar and rebounded off Nuno Reis, leaving him with little chance to clear as the ball crossed the line. Seven minutes of added time were signalled, with both sides pushing for a late winner. Despite their efforts, neither team was able to find the decisive goal, as the points were shared at the final whistle.
The Islanders will look to maintain their unbeaten run and cement their place as league leaders in their next fixture against FC Goa on 18th April away from home.
