ISL 3: Jackichand takes Mumbai to the top

by Chittu Shetty November 6, 2016

A stressed up game between the Highlanders and Mumbai side, that had quite a physical duel in between the game, ended with the visitors winning the game and moving to top of the table courtesy of a Jackichand goal.

Jackichand Singh scored his first goal of ISL 3 at the stroke of half time, as Mumbai City FC earned an important away win to go top of the table brushing aside NorthEast United FC 1-0.

NorthEast United, with numerous injury concerns started with Welligton Gomes between the sticks in place of Subrata Paul, while Wellington Priori and Robert Cullen being dropped to bench with fit-again Mailson Alves starting at the central defence. Didier Zokora partnered Rowllin Borges at midfield while Sumeet Passi started in attack in a 4-2-3-1 formation. For Mumbai, only two changes were made as Cafu and Sehnaj Singh made way for Jackichand Singh and Leo Costa.

The game started in slow pace as both side looked to find their groove, in the sixth minute Jackichand was released through on goal by a brilliant Forlan through ball, with only the keeper to beat, but his left footed chip over an onrushing wellington went just agonizingly wide

For the host Alfaro had a really good chance at half hour mark but was denied by an impressive Albino Gomes between the sticks. Gomes pulled off an amazing save to block Emiliano Alfaro’s volley, which was heading towards goal. Minutes later another chance came and went as Alfaro header went wide from an inch-perfect Narzary cross.

With the first half coming to an end, Northeast Keeper Welligton messed up a backpass as he allowed onrushing Sony Norde to create trouble.  After managing to get the ball away from Norde, Wellington failed to control the ball as Norde smartly got a touch from behind allowing the ball as a lay off for Jackichand, who slotted it past the keeper straight into the empty net.

First half ended at 1-0 to visitors with Jackichand opening his account with the first goal of season 3. Second half started with both sides coming out with changes, Seityasen Singh replaced Passi for Northeast, while Sehnaj was brought on for Anwar Ali.

Minutes in to the second half, a huge fight ensued between Katsumi Yusa and Sena Ralte, after the latter fouled the Japanese, as the former lost his cool, things turned from bad to worse when Zokora pushed Ralte down on ground turning the scene in to a brawl with Referee, support staffs and the team-personnels entering the field to a calm things down.

After a brief discussion with his assistants referee decided to book all three players sending no one out luckily for either side. Soon Emiliano Alfaro went down too easily inside the box on left as he was shown a yellow for simulation, this would mean he misses the next game against FC Goa away.

Soon Zokora and Norde were replaced by Cullen and Matias Defederico for either side, the Argentine coming back from an injury. Few minutes later, Goal scorer Jackichand was taken off after cramps got to him with Ashutosh Mehta coming in as Mumbai decided to defend the one goal lead.

Leo Costa had the chance to double the lead when he was through on left but his shot went inches wide as he failed to make use of a good opportunity. India’s second-youngest goal scorer Lallianzuala Chhangte made his maiden appearance in the ISL, coming on for Robin Gurung.

The game ended with visitors holding to their lead as three home losses meant that host slipped to fifth position in table with semi-final spot seemingly fading away. For Mumbai City FC, they look good and confident with a two points lead at the top of the table with fifteen on the board with Bengaluru players back in to the fold for next game only giving them added advantage.

Northeast United FC 0 – 1 Mumbai city (Jackichand 45’)