Mumbai FC’s second half rally sinks Leaders Royal Wahingdoh

Mumbai FC won their second game on the spin as they came from behind to defeat League Leaders Royal Wahingdoh 2-1 at Cooperage in the Hero I-League on 20th February 2015.
Mumbai FC came into the game sitting 8th in the table and on the back of a win in their last game. The visitors Royal Wahingdoh were top of the I-League after a comfortable win over Sporting Goa in their last game.
Mumbai FC started brightly threatening to score early on like they did against Salgaocar a week ago. Mumbai created their first opening from a long throw as Vashum’s header from close range went straight to Prem Kumar Singh. It was a good chance for the home side.
Four minutes later, Mumbai FC very nearly scored when Jayesh Rane’s cross was deflected on to the crossbar by a Royal Wahingdoh defender. It was a good move from the hosts after a good interplay between Mohammed Rafi and Jayesh Rane led to the opening.
The visitors were seeing plenty of the ball in the opening minutes and had their first real effort in the 13th minute when a slip from Allan Dias allowed Seityasen to run into the space and shoot. Fortunately for the hosts the ball sailed over the crossbar.
But Royal Wahingdoh weren’t to be denied a minute later when Bekay Bawar’s shot after a well constructed move, was deflected into the bottom corner.
The goal helped the visitors settle in and they started taking control of the game which forced errors from the Mumbai FC midfield who failed to get hold off the ball
Mumbai FC were looking dangerous in attack and they were inches away from the equalizing goal when Mohammad Rafi’s shot in the 21st minute went just wide of the post.
Royal Wahingdoh were calling the shots as the game got past the half hour mark. Seityasen Singh threatened to double the lead with a drilled effort in the 34th minute which went straight in the hands of Nidhin Lal.
Josimar Da Silva was giving the Royal Wahingdoh back line some problems and he very nearly set up Reisngmi Vashum in the 40th minute.
Royal Wahingdoh were forced into a change in the 42nd minute, when Naoba Singh had to be replaced by Lalmangaihsanga.
The referee brought an eventful half to a close which was edged by the away side which reflected in the scoreline.
But it was the hosts who made a better start to the second half and were instantly rewarded just five minutes into the restart as Royal Wahingdoh failed to deal with a long ball allowing Justine Stephen to fire his shot in the bottom corner after latching on to a loose clearance.
The goal lifted the Cooperage crowd who endured a quiet first forty five. Mumbai FC seemed of have regained lost ground in midfield in the second half and were able to hold possession of the ball in a much better manner.
After a tight fifteen minutes post the Mumbai FC equaliser, both teams made changes to their sides hoping to convert the point into three as Paresh Shivalkar made his comeback from injury replacing Reisangmi Vashum for the hosts while Godwin Franco made way for Jackychand Singh in the 65th minute
Mumbai FC started playing a lot more directly, trying to expose Royal Wahingdoh’s weakness in dealing with aerial deliveries.
The hosts tasted success on that route as Mumbai FC turned the score around in the 73rd minute, when another long ball led to Royal Wahingdoh’s undoing as they failed to deal with it allowing Mohammed Rafi to fire home from close range after the ball fell in his path less than six yards out.
Royal Wahingdoh never really recovered from going behind as they failed to make inroads in the Mumbai rearguard.
Mumbai FC brought on Abhishek Yadav late on after Mumbai FC nearly made it 3-1 as Justin Stephen’s header went just wide from a Paresh Shivalkar free kick in the 84th minute
Mumbai FC did well to defend a devilish cross from a free kick deep into three stoppage time minutes.
The full time whistle sparked celebrations as Mumbai FC overcame the League Leaders to register back to back wins.
The win meant nothing in terms of table position as both teams remained where they started the day but Mumbai FC closed the gap on the teams above them.
With seven points from three home games, Cooperageis proving to be a fortress for the city’s solitary side in the I-League.
MFA Super League: Group standings, October fixtures are out
October fixtures for MFA Super League are out. Check out the current group standings and brace yourself for thrilling clashes with the new fixtures. As the echoes of thrilling September…
St. Patrick’s High School, Jharkhand defend their Junior (U 17) Girls Subroto Cup title
New Delhi, September 26, 2023: St. Patrick’s High School, Gumla, Jharkhand defended their title in the 62nd Subroto Cup Junior (U 17) Girls Inter School International Football Tournament defeating G.S.S.S Alakhpura,…
Mumbai City FC shifts AFC Champions League home fixture against Al Hilal to Navi Mumbai
Mumbai City FC recently announced the relocation of their group stage home fixture against Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal from Pune to Navi Mumbai’s Dr DY Patil stadium. This strategic…
Igor Stimac names 26 probables for Merdeka Cup 2023
Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Igor Stimac, on Friday, September 29, 2023, named a list of 26 probables for the Merdeka Cup 2023, to be played in Malaysia from…
We need to play as a cohesive unit against Saudi Arabia, says Sunil Chhetri
NEW DELHI: Sunil Chhetri is aware of the problems the India Men’s team are facing during their current Asian Games campaign in Hangzhou. He is also conscious of India’s dismal track…
Bengaluru FC take on in-form Mohun Bagan SG with scores to settle from 2022-23 final
Bengaluru FC will travel to Kolkata to square off against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a repeat of the final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 at the…
Indian team for AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2024 Qualifiers announced
A 14-member Indian Men’s National futsal squad was announced on Sunday, October 1, 2023, for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2024 Qualifiers in Tajikistan, in which India will be participating…
Hugo heroics help Mohun Bagan SG nudge past 9-man Bengaluru FC
Mohun Bagan SG rode on goal from Hugo Boumous to beat Bengaluru FC by a slender 1-0 margin in a grueling contest at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata The…
FC Goa fans eagerly await a season of resurgence and victory in ISL
Goa, September 26, 2023: With the anticipation of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season growing stronger, FC Goa’s ardent fans have voiced their excitement and expectations for the club’s…
Om Saidham SM secure convincing victory over Soccer Saga SA
26th September 2023, Neville D’souza Ground – In a thrilling MFA Super League encounter, Om Saidham SM emerged victorious with a commanding 4-1 win over Soccer Saga SA. The match…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
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…