Mumbai FC Register 4th Straight Win As They Edge Past Indian Navy

by FC admin November 16, 2014

2 goals by Kali Alaudeen and Josimar D’Silva’s goals were enough to help Mumbai FC beat Indian Navy in an MDFA League match played at the Cooperage on Sunday 16th November 2014 and thereby extended their lead at the top of the table to five points.

The early minutes saw most of the game being played in the midfield as both teams fought hard for the ball. Mumbai kept up the pressure over the Indian Navy as they slowly started taking charge of the game, the first bit of goal mouth action came when a corner kick by Paresh Shivalkar found Kali Alaudeen in the box  but his header was easily dealt with by the Navy defence. In the 22nd minute, Josimar made his presence felt as he exhibited some great skills, true to his Brazilian roots, and went through on goal but fired a wayward shot.

Mumbai FC got their breakthrough in the 34^th minute when long throw specialist Rahul Bheke found Allan with a penetrating throw right into the Indian Navy box. Allan did well to flick the ball to Josimar, who hung the ball in the air for incoming Kali Alaudeen who leapt high to score his header. Mumbai FC kept creating chances as they were in the mood to extend their lead. Another brilliant move from Paresh Shivalkar on the right flank saw him centre the ball to Allan but he volleyed the shot wide.

The second half began in similar fashion as the first, with Mumbai FC doing all the attacking with some good distribution by their midfield Taisuke Matsuge and Pradeep Mohanraj opening up the play for their wingers and strikers. Mumbai FC were testing the Indian Navy resilience, asking questions of their defence at regular intervals. Indian Navy got back into the game for a bit around the hour mark and against the run of play, Indian Navy did well to win a free kick in the opponents half but couldn’t do much with the Mumbai FC defence holding firm. Allan Dias received a yellow card in the 70^th minute for a rash studs up challenge on the opponents. The resultant free kick was well taken by Navy but Kunal Sawant made sure he kept the ball out with a good save.

The best chance for Navy came in the 75^th minute when some quick passing on the left flank provided an opening for their striker but the resultant shot on goal was cleared by Taisuke on the touchline. The second goal for Mumbai FC came in the 85^th  when John Coutinho’s awareness saw him beat the Navy defence with a clever lob sending Josimar clear through on goal. Rounding the  keeper, the Brazilian made no mistake with his finish as he slot home the ball into an empty net giving Mumbai FC a comfortable 2 goal lead. Indian Navy scored a late consolation goal as a shot from Raman Rai found the back of the net in injury time after the 90.

Team Line ups

Mumbai FC: Kunal Sawant, Kamaljeet, Justin, Kali, Rahul, Paresh, Taisuke, Manuel, Pradeep, Allan, Josimar

Indian Navy: Sumesh, Sunil, Akash, Sahir, Raman Rai, Anup, Lalchhunmawia, Kumar, Britto, Pawandeep, Bhaskar