Valiant Mumbai FC hold East Bengal 1-1 in their own den

Mumbai showed no signs of the disadvantage of having to play without coach Khalid Jamil, who is serving a four-match ban imposed by the AIFF. Despite the handicap, the Mumbai club showed that they are made of sterner stuff as they produced a valiant display to share honours with East Bengal and earn a creditable 1-1 draw from their 17th round I-League match at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Saturday afternoon. Playwin is the official sponsor of Mumbai FC.
Manager Henry Picardo, who took charge of the team, will undoubtedly be the most pleased man as he had stated on the eve of the match that he would play for a draw. The players did not disappoint Picardo and gave a solid performance to take the fight to the fancied and more formidable home side, who were on a roll having tasted successes in the last three outings, including an AFC Cup match last week.
The Mumbai FC defenders, centre backs Chika Wali and Justine Stephen who returns after recovering from a stomach problem, the wing backs Ashutosh Mehta and Rahul Bheke rallied well among themselves to keep in check the East Bengal attacking duo of Nigerians Ranty Martins and Dudu Omagbeni and restrict them to just one goal. Goalkeeper Nidhinlal A.C. who also regained his position under the bar also did well. His best effort was when he guessed correctly by diving to his right to save Ranty Martins penalty in the 71st minute and deny them a win.
After the initial period hardly saw any exciting moments, the Mumbai side scored the opening goal, when their Brazilian strikers Josimar successfully converted a penalty in the 33rd minute. Mumbai FC were awarded a penalty when Harmonjit Khabra handled ball following Justine Stephen’s header off a Climax Lawrence freekick. The East Bengal players disputed the decision but the referee stuck to his decision and Josimar coolly shot to the top corner of the net.
Thereafter, the home side worked harder and tried to find the equaliser which eluded them till the end of the first half. East Bengal from the start of the second period continued to put pressure on the Mumbai defence and they found success when Dudu showed good anticipation to charge forward and firmly head home Robert Lalthlamuana’s free-kick in the 56th minute to level the scores.
The Kolkata side continued to attack and earned a penalty in the 71st minute but the leading scorer Martins with 14 goals so far this season was unable to beat Mumbai FC goalkeeper Nidhinlal.
The well-deserved point earned has taken Mumbai FC points tally to 14 points and up to 7th place, while East Bengal stay in fifth place with 20 points.
Young ‘N’ Masters Challenge Cup ‘23 – A unique format by Cool Veterans accomplished engaging families together
The central suburb of Mumbai, Mulund, just witnessed a footballing carnival involving families on a Sunday at the Young ‘n’ Masters Challenge Cup ’23 organized by Cool Veterans in association…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Maharashtra Oranje FC, Kalina Rangers CFF settle for draw in 6-goal thriller
In a captivating Mumbai Premier League fixture, Maharashtra Oranje FC and Kalina Rangers CFF battled fiercely, ultimately settling for a 3-3 draw in an action-packed encounter.
MFA Super League Uday Yadav’s equalizer salvages draw for Maharashtra Oranje FC (U23) against Kopana FC
In a MFA Super League Group B encounter, Maharashtra Oranje FC clashed with Kopana FC on thursday, where a 89th minute goal by Uday Yadav helped rescue Oranje FC a…
MFA Super League: Soccer Saga come from behind to win 3-1 over Kenkre U19
In a riveting MFA Super League clash, Soccer Saga FC came from goal behind to turn the tide and secure a 3-1 win against Kenkre FC U19. The match kicked…
Mumbai Premier League: Iron Born clinches 2-0 victory over Sellebrity FC
In a gripping face-off at the Neville D’Souza Ground during the Mumbai Premier League showdown, Iron Born emerged triumphant with a decisive 2-0 win against Sellebrity FC The match kicked…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
DK Pharma and GMSC-MYJ share spoils in Mumbai Premier League Clash
After a Cautious first half, Henjoimang Khongsai’s second half strike put DK Pharma ahead before Substitute Tejas Raut turned super-sub with a headed goal to level up for GMSC MYJ…
Mumbai Strikers and West Zone United Battle to a 2-2 Draw in MFA Super League Clash
In a pulsating encounter in the MFA Super League Group C, Mumbai Strikers SC clashed with West Zone United in a match that unfolded with intense action and dramatic twists….
FC Goa reclaims top spot with a feisty 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters FC
FC Goa regained the top spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 points table by subjecting Kerala Blasters FC to a 1-0 defeat at the Fatorda Stadium tonight. How…
East Bengal FC record their biggest ever ISL win in 5-0 mauling of NorthEast United FC
Kolkata, 04 December, 2023: East Bengal FC recorded their biggest ever Indian Super League (ISL) victory by triumphing 5-0 over NorthEast United FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight….
Mohun Bagan Super Giant take on Odisha FC with redemption on their mind
The Mariners have created history by recording the best ever start (after five matches) to an ISL season with five successive victories in this campaign. However, Sergio Lobera will bring…
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…