I-League 2017: Mumbai FC 0-0 Mohun Bagan - Santhosh Kashyap's side snap losing streak after holding The Mariners

Manasi Pathak

I-League 2017: Mumbai FC 0-0 Mohun Bagan - Santhosh Kashyap's side snap losing streak after holding The Mariners image

Hosts Mumbai FC finally broke their six-game losing streak by holding Mohun Bagan to a goalless draw at the Cooperage Football Stadium in a round nine I-League encounter on Wednesday. 

Under pressure after suffering six back-to-back losses, Santosh Kashyap started with a 4-2-3-1 formation for the face-off against heavyweights Mohun Bagan. However, one big surprise was the exclusion of youngster Hitesh Sharma. The 19-year-old wasn’t named in the 18 man squad altogether. 

As for the visitors, Jeje Lalpekhlua was given a rest by gaffer Sanjoy Sen following a goalless draw against arch-rivals East Bengal.

Re-LIVE: Mumbai FC 0-0 Mohun Bagan

Mumbai FC Mohun Bagan AC I-League 2017

The first half saw ample amount of chances created at both ends. The visitors kick started the match by putting The Mumbaikars under pressure especially with Duffy, Yusa and Mallick linking up brilliantly in attack.

In the 18th minute, the hosts were dealt a blow as Thoi Singh’s stunner from the right flank was ruled out by the referee. The Manipuri sent a sublime shot on goal and Mohun Bagan ‘keeper had no chance to stop the effort. Much to the grief of the home supporters, the goal was disallowed for reasons unknown.

Mumbai’s newbie midfielder Alex Willian Silva impressed the audience as the Brazilian delivered decent free kicks from good positions outside the box. But the failure of Mumbai forwards in connecting to them kept the scoreline intact. 

East Bengal held by Lajong

Mumbai FC Mohun Bagan AC I-League 2017

The two teams entered the tunnel at half-time with a 0-0 scoreline. Sanjoy Sen sent on Balwant Singh early on in the second half but it was Mumbai who created the first chance after the break when Alex's freekick in the 50th minute missed Debjit's goal by a matter of mere inches. 

Santhosh Kashyap responded by sending on Nikhil Kadam for Farukh Choudhary but the next big chance was fashioned by Mohun Bagan when Sony Norde was fed a neat pass inside the penalty box but he skied his shot in the 67th minute. 

Mohun Bagan introduced Jeje Lalpekhlua soon after as they searched for a winner but it was not to be on the night. Katsumi Yusa and Sony Norde did combine well to set up another chance for the Haitian in the 81st minute but Norde's attempt only hit the side netting after a deflection. Off the resultant corner, Norde got another shot away but Kattimani was up to the task. 

Mumbai FC Mohun Bagan AC I-League 2017

Soon after, Duffy volleyed over a good cross while at the other end, Mumbai played a lot of aerial balls which were dealt with comfortably by Debjit Majumder. 

The point earned sees Mumbai break their losing streak and temporarily climb up to eighth in the table on goal difference while Mohun Bagan blew a golden opportunity to close East Bengal's three-point cushion at the top of the table, though Bagan have played a game less. 

 

Manasi Pathak