Mumbai City FC finish seventh after holding NorthEast United to 1-1 draw

Mumbai: Mumbai City FC held NorthEast United FC to a 1-1 draw at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati to finish seventh in the inaugural Hero Indian Super League on Wednesday.
Sushil Kumar Singh (84th minute) cancelled out Koke’s penalty (34th minute) to ensure that Mumbai City FC finished above the hosts with 16 points from 14 matches.
Even before the final league encounter between the two bottom-placed sides began, it was clear that the mathematic chance of Mumbai City FC making it to the last four had evaporated with Atletico de Kolkata managing to hold FC Goa to a 1-1 draw. This meant that the encounter being played in Guwahati became a battle to avoid the wooden spoon and it was the visitors who made the first move as the team attacked relentlessly in the first half.
Sushil Singh, who came in for Nicolas Anelka, almost put Mumbai City FC ahead in the fourth minute when he got the better of Kondwani Mtonga in the opposition box but his shot from an acute angle failed to beat NorthEast United FC goalkeeper Rehenesh.
The visitors continued to push ahead but that allowed a few opening for the hosts and Tomas Josl made the most of it when burst into the Mumbai City FC box and was according to the referee brought down by Deepak Mondal, which the experienced defender contested. Koke calmly slotted home the ensuing penalty past Subrata Pal and NorthEast United then held on to the advantage till half-time.
However, Mumbai City FC continued to maintain the pressure and came close to scoring twice – first when NorthEast United custodian Rehenesh managed to parry off a low strike from Abhishek Yadav in the 66th minute and then Laldinka Ralte’s pile driver hit the crossbar five minutes later.
But Sushil finally ensured that Mumbai City would come home with their first-ever away point when he nodded home a cross from Jan Stohanzl in the 84th minute after a short corner routine.
Nadong Bhutia could have put the visitors ahead in the 89th minute but he failed to capitalise on the rebound following Dika’s attempt from long range.
Mumbai City FC coach Peter Reid was happy with Wednesday’s game. “It was a well played match. I think we missed out on a few chances, and so did North East. But that’s football, and overall it was a great game,” he said. “The whole ISL was a great experience,” the coach added.
Mumbai City FC assistant coach Steve Darby said, “India should now concentrate on I-League. The ISL had a lot of foreign strikers. I-League gives them a chance to develop Indian strikers, and India should focus on that.”
For Mumbai City FC their inaugural ISL campaign is over, but the team will come back next season stronger and push for a better finish.
2nd Division League / Hero 2nd Division / I-League Qualifiers
Maharashtra Oranje FC all set to shine in I-League 2nd Division
In an interesting turn of events, Maharashtra Oranje FC, formerly known as The Oranje FC, is gearing up to make its mark in the upcoming 2023-24 I-League 2nd Division season….
Injury time goal guides Soccer Saga FC to a 2-1 win over ICL in an intense MFA Super League clash
Game day 12 of MFA Super League encounters saw Soccer Saga FC clash with ICL in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats from start to…
Mumbai Strikers SC look to forge ahead with resilience after a tough start against Mumbai City FC
In the bustling football landscape of Mumbai, one club, Mumbai Strikers SC, has been a constant presence for a remarkable 25 years. Mumbai Strikers SC, recently faced a formidable challenge…
AIFF announces updated Asian Games squad, senior players added
The AIFF, on Friday, September 15, 2023, announced that senior India player and key defender Sandesh Jhingan will be joining the Indian squad for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou,…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Manisha Kalyan: The first-girl of Indian football making waves in Europe
Manisha Kalyan, over the last few years, has not only become one of the key players for the Indian Women’s Team, but she has also gone on to make a…
ISL 2023-24 celebrates the growth of Indian football in a landmark 10th-year campaign
The ISL 10th-year campaign, which has been launched across India, celebrates the enduring power of football to unite a nation Mumbai September 15th, 2023: With the landmark 10th season of the Indian…
Mumbai City all set for Asian Champions League
Mumbai City FC are one sleep away before they kick off a landmark 2023-24 season – a second consecutive appearance in the prestigious AFC Champions League The Islanders kick off…
AFC Champions League: Nassaji Mazandaran outclass Mumbai City FC in Pune
In an intense encounter at Balewadi Stadium, Mumbai City FC faced off against Nassaji Mazandaran in the AFC Champions League game with latter ultimately emerging victorious with a 2-0 win….
AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup / India U-17 women / Women Football
Priya PV announces 23-member squad for AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualification Round 2
Head coach Priya PV, on Thursday, September 14, 2023, announced a 23-member squad for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualification Round 2, Indonesia 2024. The tournament will be played…
62nd edition of Subroto Cup to kick off tomorrow
New Delhi, September 18, 2023: The 62nd Edition of the prestigious Subroto Cup International Football Tournament, will kick off on September 19, 2023, with the Junior Girls (U 17) matches beginning first….
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…
Sunday Boys to hold trials for MFA 1st Division
MFA 1st division side Sunday Boys FC will be conducting trials in the first week of November for the upcoming football season Sunday Boys Football Club was established in the…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Millat FC to hold trials for MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC – a club plying their trade in MFA Elite Division will be conducting open trials for their upcoming 2022-23 season Last season Millat had a decent run in…