Mumbai City shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw against Sporting Club Delhi at the Mumbai Football Arena after a physical and closely fought encounter.
The Islanders made the perfect start by finding the breakthrough inside the opening three minutes. Sporting Club Delhi’s defence failed to deal with Aakash Mishra’s long throw with Jorge Pereyra Díaz getting on the end of the ball and opening his account for the season with a header from close range.
The hosts doubled their advantage soon after with a moment of quality from Noufal P.N. in the 17th minute. Receiving a through ball in space on the left side from Brandon Fernandes, he produced a elegant curling effort into the top corner doubling the Islanders lead and scoring his maiden goal for the club on his first start of the season.
The visitors began pushing for a response and created their first opportunity in the 33rd minute. Matija Babovic found himself on the end of a cross inside the box but his volley sailed over the target. In the 38th minute, they earned a free kick after a foul by Noufal, and the resulting cross was punched clear by Phurba Lachenpa. Mumbai City quickly transitioned into a counterattack after winning the ball from ensuing throw-in, with Aakash Mishra attempting to find Captain Lallianzuala Chhangte inside the box. However, Manoj Mohammad tracked back well to make a crucial tackle and prevent another goal.
Sporting Club Delhi eventually halved the deficit in the first minute of four added minutes before the break. After a free kick delivered from a wide area, Manoj reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box and drove a low shot into the bottom corner to give the visitors a lifeline heading into half-time.
Mumbai City made their first change at the start of the second half, with Vikram Partap Singh replacing Jorge Pereyra Díaz as the Islanders looked to maintain their attacking momentum. The second half began in a tight and cagey fashion, with both sides engaging in a fragmented and physical contest.
Sporting Club Delhi began to grow in confidence and threatened on the counter in the 70th minute when Babovic intercepted a wayward pass and surged forward. His run culminated in a shot from inside the box, but Sahil Panwar produced a brave sliding block to deny the attempt. The visitors eventually found the equaliser in the 73rd minute. Babovic once again proved dangerous, cutting past defenders inside the penalty area before finishing from close range to level the scores.
In the closing stages, Ayush Chhikara was brought on for Brandon Fernandes as Mumbai City looked to add fresh legs in attack. Six minutes of added time were signalled, and the Islanders pressed forward in the dying moments. Despite their efforts, Mumbai City were unable to find the decisive goal as the contest ended level, with both sides sharing the points.
The Islanders will now turn their attention to their next challenge away from home against Inter Kashi on 15th March, aiming to continue their unbeaten run.
