Mumbai Premier League Championship Playoff Round: IOT FC outclass ICL Mumbai FC to claim top spot

by Chittu Shetty March 7, 2025

In a highly anticipated Mumbai Premier League 2024-25 Championship Playoff Round fixture, IOT FC delivered a dominant performance, thrashing ICL Mumbai FC 4-0.

The convincing win propelled IOT FC to the top of the points table, as they continued their impressive campaign. Both teams entered the contest with high stakes, each having a chance to secure the top spot. ICL Mumbai FC, with 7 points from 4 games, stood at third, while IOT FC held second place with 8 points. With the championship race heating up, the clash promised to be a thrilling battle.

The opening minutes saw ICL Mumbai threaten from set-pieces, a corner routine falling to Zeeshan, whose shot on the volley went straight to the keeper. Just two minutes later, IOT midfielder Christopher Rajkumar nearly broke the deadlock with a curling free-kick, only to be denied by a spectacular diving save from ICL goalkeeper N Yaiphaba Singh.

However, IOT FC’s growing dominance finally paid off in the 26th minute when Adithyan threaded a ball forward to Arafat Ansari. The striker showcased his strength to hold off a defender before turning and firing a quick strike into the net, giving IOT a deserved 1-0 lead.

ICL Mumbai had their best chance to equalize in the 39th minute when a precise cross from the left found captain Rahul Das unmarked inside the box. However, Das’ effort cannoned off the crossbar and back into play, leaving ICL trailing at halftime.

The second half saw IOT FC further assert their control. In the 64th minute, a free-kick from the left flank found Nishant Shetty, who guided a clever header onto the post and into the net to double IOT’s lead.

As ICL Mumbai pushed bodies forward in search of a lifeline, IOT FC capitalized on a quick counter in the 71st minute. A throw-in was intercepted and transitioned into a swift attack, with Meitei and Armash combining to release Rayan, whose powerful strike was tipped over to his own net by the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.

In stoppage time, Saurabh Nikam put the icing on the cake with a thunderous long-range effort, sealing an emphatic 4-0 victory for IOT FC.

With this crucial win, IOT FC climbed to first place in the championship playoff standings, sitting on 11 points — one point clear of Hope United FC. Meanwhile, ICL Mumbai FC remained in third place with 7 points, now facing an uphill battle to keep their title hopes alive.

FT: IOT FC (Arafat Ansari 26’, Nishant Shetty 64’, Rayan 71′, Saurabh Nikam 90+4′) 4-0 ICL Mumbai FC

– Picture Credit – IOT FC media

Mumbai Super League Fixtures, Standings and News – Click Here

Mumbai Premier League Fixtures, Standings and News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.