Tenacious ten men of Mumbai FC hold Sporting Clube de Goa
Ten men Mumbai FC produced a superb second half display to hold Sporting Clube de Goa to a 2-2 draw in the Hero I-League game at Cooperage on Saturday evening. Sporting went ahead through a ninth minute goal from Mahmoud Al Amna, before Ryuki Kozawa cancelled the Syrian’s strike mid-way through the first half. In the second half, Jayesh Rane put the hosts ahead before Victorino Fernandes slammed home the equaliser for Sporting Clube de Goa.
Khalid Jamil rung in the changes as Sandeep Nandy made his Mumbai FC debut. Darren Caldeira, Rohit Mirza and Clyde Fernandes also came into the line-up. Mateus Costa too started with an attacking line-up that was led by the impressive Odafa.
The visitors got off to a great start when a crisp move in the 9th minute caught the Mumbai FC back four flat-footed. Odafa slid a clever through pass that was met by Al Amna inside the box, who made no mistake in slotting his shot past the hapless Sandeep Nandy as the Flaming Oranje drew first blood.
However, Sporting Clube de Goa didn’t make the most of the early momentum as a sloppy piece of defending gifted the home side a way back into the contest nine minutes later. Sporting Clube de Goa let a hopeful free kick from N.P. Pradeep bounce inside their box, thus allowing the industrious Ryuki Kozawa to sneak behind the Sporting central defenders and lob the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net to bring Mumbai FC level.
Mumbai FC were forced into a change when goalkeeper Sandeep Nandy had to be replaced by Pawan Kumar after the former suffered an injury post the half-hour mark. Mumbai FC who were enjoying more of the possession had to wait until the 42nd minute to get their second attempt on goal, when Eric Brown’s long range effort needed intervention from Arindam Bhattacharya.
However, the crucial moment of the came in first half stoppage time when Mumbai FC’s N.P. Pradeep received his marching orders after a second bookable offense. Pradeep had earlier fouled Odafa on the edge of the penalty area to earn his first booking.
Mumbai FC who were expected to shut up shop in the second half, surprisingly came out all guns blazing with substitute Jayesh Rane providing the hosts with some much needed energy. Eight minutes into the second half, Eric Brown’s lofted pass found Jayesh Rane completely free on the left hand side. The winger held his nerve well to coolly slot the ball between the legs of the Sporting goalkeeper and give Mumbai FC a surprise lead at the start of the second half.
Mateus Costa, whose side were jolted back to earth early in the second half sent on Victorino Fernandes in place of Al Amna and the substitute made an instant impact as he pulled Sporting Clube de Goa level with one of the easiest tap-ins on the hour mark.
Despite restoring parity, the visitors continued to look fragile and almost conceded to the ten men of Mumbai FC when an inward run from Jayesh Rane to meet Eric Brown’s pass created confusion in the Sporting rearguard that led to Loveday clearing off the line just two minutes after Sporting equalized.
Ten minutes later, Victorino Fernades missed a great chance to put Sporting Clube de Goa in front when he dragged his shot wide of the target. In the 80th minute, Ryuki Kozawa was inches away from handing Mumbai FC the advantage when his brilliant half-volley just evaded the target. However, at the other end, substitute Seriton Fernandes fired his shot wide after getting in a one on position.
Mumbai FC’s injuries woes compounded when Clyde Fernandes had to be stretched off in the dying minutes of the game, that forced Khalid Jamil to hand a debut to Syed Rahim Nabi who came in place of him.
Mumbai FC saw off the five additional minutes to earn a credible point with ten men to continue their unbeaten run at home. Sporting Clube de Goa would be disappointed not to have taken full points from the encounter despite having a numerical advantage for an entire half.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
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…