MYJ-GMSC rally to thrash Mumbai City FC 4-1 in Mumbai Premier League kickoff

by Chittu Shetty October 14, 2024

Newly promoted Mumbai City FC gave the defending champions MYJ-GMSC an early scare with a lead but the Mighty lions fought back strong to breeze past their opponents 4-1 in Mumbai Premier League opener

With both teams boasting championship pedigree—Mumbai City FC making a grand return to the MPL after their Mumbai Super League triumph and MYJ-GMSC the undefeated league champions eager to establish dominance in the league—the atmosphere was electric. The Defending Champions of MPL started the title defence with a statement win against Mumbai City FC with a fine 4-1 margin.

The match opened with both MYJ-GMSC and Mumbai City FC demonstrating their intent, as neither side allowed the other to settle into any rhythm. High intensity and pressing from both ends created a frantic pace in the first ten minutes. Both sides had opportunities but failed to capitalize. Mumbai City’s Mihir initiated a promising attack down the left, delivering a precise pass to Ahaan at the edge of the box, but Ahaan missed the opportunity to draw the first blood.

MYJ’s Siddharth then broke through the midfield, providing a well-timed pass to Shamer on the right edge of the penalty area. Unfortunately, Shamer lost his composure and sent the shot over the bar, wasting a crucial chance.

At the 15-minute mark, MYJ’s Kamran Ansari almost delivered a spectacular moment when he unleashed a rocket from outside the box. The ball rattled the crossbar, leaving the crowd gasping, inches away from a potential goal.

Not to be outdone, Mumbai City’s Subhajit embarked on a mazy run through the center, and just before entering the box area, he fired a screamer shot toward the bottom corner. But Manoj, MYJ’s shot-stopper, was up to the challenge, stretching to deny City the opener with a fantastic save.

Despite both sides pushing hard for a breakthrough, it was a fortunate moment that led to Mumbai City FC taking the lead. A speculative shot from outside the box by Eashan seemed tame, but it was enough to unsettle Manoj. The ball slipped through his hands, and despite his desperate attempt to recover, it rolled into the back of the net, gifting City the advantage.

The joy was short-lived, however, as MYJ-GMSC equalized just moments after the water break. In a rapid counterattack, Dwight Dabero sprinted down the right flank and delivered a precise low cross into the 6-yard box. Kaif, Mumbai City’s center-back, misread the trajectory, and the ball bounced kindly to Shamer’s knee, who calmly tapped it home to restore parity.

The momentum swung entirely in MYJ’s favor after halftime. Within minutes of the restart, they took the lead from a well-executed set piece. Siddharth whipped a dangerous ball into the box from a wide free-kick, and though it looked like it would sail out of play, the ever-alert Shamer managed to flick it back into the danger zone. With the City defense caught watching, Nayan was left unmarked and coolly slotted in with his first touch.

MYJ continued to assert dominance through their set-piece mastery. Another corner from Abhijit Thaware sent the City defense into a frenzy. Shaurya, the Mumbai City goalkeeper, initially caught the ball but was unable to secure it in the chaos that ensued. Kamran Ansari pounced on the loose ball, calmly converting to extend MYJ’s lead to 3-1.

Mumbai City, rattled by MYJ’s aerial prowess, conceded yet again through a perfectly executed free-kick. This time it was Pravin who stepped up from the right flank, curling a wicked ball into the near post. Tejas, lurking near the penalty spot, applied the faintest of flicks, sending the ball into the back of the net and sealing a commanding 4-1 victory for MYJ.

MYJ’s dominance in set-piece situations, coupled with clinical finishing, proved too much for youthful Mumbai City FC. The reigning champions of the Mumbai Super League were reminded of the quality in the top tier as MYJ-GMSC made their experience count in key moments. As the 2024-25 MPL season unfolds, the mighty lions has set the bar high, while City will need to regroup quickly.

Final Score: MYJ-GMSC 4-1 Mumbai City FC

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