Mumbai FC Edge Past Gritty KSA To Keep Their 100 Percent Record Intact

by Kaushal Shukla November 27, 2014

Mumbai FC claimed their sixth win of the season as a late stoppage time strike helped them see off a gritty Karnataka Sporting Association (KSA) side 2-1 in a MDFA (Mumbai District Football Association) match on an intense afternoon at the Cooperage ground on 26^th November 2014. The win helped Mumbai FC maintain their 100 percent start to the campaign and cement their place at the top of the table.

Mumbai FC were quickly out of the blocks as it took them just 3 minutes to win their first corner. KSA dealt with it, but at the expense of another corner which resulted in a goal kick for KSA. Mumbai FC started imposing themselves on the game as a piece of intricate play between Paresh Shivalkar and S Kutty Many  in the 7^th minute, resulted in a chance for striker Josimar De Silva but he scuffed his shot and KSA goalkeeper Kishan Sulegai collected calmly.

It was KSA’s time to respond and striker Arihi Uchela drove at the Mumbai FC defense only to be fouled fouled by Mumbai FC defender Justin Stepehen who received the first booking of the game. KSA wasted the opportunity and there were very few to follow.

Mumbai FC piled on the pressure, drawing errors from the KSA midfield as they gave the ball away too many times. There was flurry of free kicks for Mumbai FC between the 20^th and the 33^rd minute. But KSA survived and managed to keep the score at 0-0.

But their resistance was finally broken in the 35^th minute, when Mumbai FC midfielder Taisuke Matsugae latched on to a loose ball and played S. Kutty Mani in on the flank who drove past the left back and his cut back was missed by the KSA defence and fell kindly for Mumbai FC front man Josimar De Silva who slotted home nicely to give Mumbai FC a much deserved lead.

KSA tried to respond six minutes later when Roger Sam profited from a scramble but his shot went just wide of the goal. This was the best chance that KSA had managed all half. Three minutes later KSA goalkeeper’s goal kick was headed back Mumbai FC defender Kalia Laudeen which set S Kutty Mani in open space, but his first time shot was well wide.

Mumbai FC went into half time a goal to the good. KSA had their work cut out as they had been completely dominated by their opponents and needed to get headway in the game.

The second half started in the similar fashion with Josimar De Silva heading inches wide after John Coutinho had done brilliantly to create the opening. Both sides made their first substitutions in the next five minutes with Colling Abranches coming on for Justin Stephen for Mumbai FC and Sam Cruz  replacing Roger Sam in the KSA midfield.

The latter had a great impact as he got into pockets of spaces behind the Mumbai FC midfield, creating problems for the League Leaders. KSA’s influence was growing and they had a glorious opportunity in the 56^th minute to equalize after Sam Cruz set Arihi Uchela through on goal but his shot was saved. Uchela latched on to the rebound and laid off for Sam Cruz who hit his shot straight at the keeper.

KSA again came close when they benefited from a loose pass, but the KSA attacker shot over. Mumbai FC were in a more even contest but they still had their chances when Mumbai FC’s Japanese midfielder Taisuke played in winger Paresh Shivalkar who dropped his shoulder and laid it off on a plate, only for Josimar De Silva to fire wide in the 71^st minute. Four minutes later S. Kutty Mani had his shot blocked brilliantly by the KSA defender.

KSA’s growing influence was rewarded in the 80^th minute when Valentine Pereira got into the space created by Sam Cruz’s presence and set Arihi Uchela through on goal whose shot had enough power to oversee a touch from the Mumbai FC keeper as it rolled into the net to send KSA into delirium. Uchela was cautioned for excessive celebration.

It was game on and Mumbai FC  came back with an almost perfect response when the Mumbai FC midfielder shot inches wide. The game was getting frantic and there were chances at both ends as the officials indicated four minutes of stoppage time.

With the three points now very much up for grabs, things got ugly when substitute Rahul Bheke punched at the KSA keeper as the Mumbai FC player thought he was too strong in his challenge. Initially the referee showed Bheke a yellow card, but after minutes of confusion he reversed his decision and rightly sent Bheke off, but at the same time wrongly gave the KSA keeper his marching orders. This did not go well with the KSA camp.

The game restarted in the 97^th minute. KSA clearly displeased with the referee’s call lost their concentration as the second half Mumbai FC substitute Collin Abranches’ cross was flicked on by Josimar De Silva in Taisure Matsugae’s path who converted from close range to break KSA hearts in the 8^th minute of stoppage time.

There was hardly time for any response from KSA as the referee blew for full time meaning Karnataka Sporting Association had to again leave empty handed after a good display. Mumbai FC mean while rolled on with a sixth win in as many games.

Despite the protests from KSA, Mumbai FC deserved their victory for their first half dominance and sheer belief and determination to go till the very end b ut a gritty KSA did give them a scare.