Mumbai F.C. comeback from being a goal down to eventual 5-1 winners vs. RCF S.C.

by Balbir Singh December 21, 2015

Mumbai F.C. wrapped-up maximum points against RCF Sports Club in their Mumbai District Football Association Elite Division fixture at Cooperage on 20^th December ’15. The home-side came back from a goal down to flat RCF Sports Club 5-1 with goals from Malemnganba Meitei, Karan Sawhney, Allan Dias and a brace from Mumbai F.C.’s captain Taisuke Matsugae; cancelling-out Shahbaz Khan’s solitary goal for RCF Sports Club.

Mumbai F.C. started the game brightly and provided an attacking threat for RCF Sports Club’s defence 5 minutes into the game. On the 8^th-minute mark, Mumbai F.C. were presented with their first clear-cut chance on goal, but Paresh Shivalikar’s attempted shot was cleared off the goal-line; in the process, Paresh Shivalikar injured himself as he collided with the goalkeeper and was substituted inside 15 minutes. The first-goal arrived as a result of momentary lapse of concentration from the Mumbai F.C. goalkeeper, who misjudged the bounce of the ball and completely mistimed his dive to save a powerful shot hit by Shahbaz Khan in the 10^th minute; somehow, the goalkeeper was able to get a hand on the ball, but it ended-up inside the goal.

Mumbai F.C., largely played and dominated the midfield zone as RCF S.C. sat deeper to protect their solitary-goal lead. There was no real pressure on the ball and the away-side soaked most of the pressure throughout the game. The problem with Mumbai F.C. was that they couldn’t get pass a solid defensive block. The equalizer arrived for Mumbai F.C. in first-half stoppage time, with the nature of the goal was nothing else, but scrappy; an initial effort from Karan Sawhney was saved by the goalkeeper, but in his attempt to collect the ball he presented it to Taisuke whose first-attempt was clear-off the goal-line, scoring in at the second-time of asking. The goal in the last course of action, and Mumbai F.C. had the momentum at their disposal which they carried into the second 45 minutes.

As the second-half progressed and crossed the 55^th mark, Mumbai F.C. had already missed-out on 3 clear chances to score. The goal came a minute later in the 56^th minute when Steven Dias was fouled inside the box and a penalty was awarded to M.F.C. which Karan Sawhney calmly converted with ease. The 3^rd goal came 10 minutes alter in the 64^th minute when Malemnganba Meitei reached the end of a Steven Dias cross and put his side 2 goals clear. Steven Dias recorded another assist when he setup Taisuke Matsugae for the 4^th goal in the 77^th minute. With the match set and done, Mumbai F.C. felt there was still for more and in the 90^th minute Allan Dias completed a 5-goal haul.

Mumbai F.C. never really missed Cletus Paul who is their top-scorer with 6 goals, particularly with a 5 goal thumping. The home featured in their first match since their final against Air India Nadakarni Cup as they received two walkovers in the past two weeks. But, nevertheless a 5-1 victory will be happily welcomed in the Mumbai F.C. camp.