Mumbai, February 19 Mumbai City FC began their Indian Super League season on a winning note, defeating Chennaiyin FC 1-0 at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Thursday.
The closely contested match was decided by an own goal by Pritam Kotal in the 48th minute, as the Islanders secured all three points.
Neither team was able to create much attacking momentum, as they cancelled each other out in midfield. The first half saw limited scoring opportunities, as the attackers found it difficult to break down the opposition's defense.
Jorge Pereyra Díaz forced a fine save from Mohammad Nawaz after being played through by Jorge Ortiz. Minutes later, Brandon Fernandes found Lallianzuala Chhangte at the far post. The forward passed the ball to Ortiz, but the Spaniard's attempt only found the goalkeeper.
Chennaiyin relied on long balls with Irfan Yadwad and new signing Iñigo Martín as their targets, but they were well marked by the Mumbai City defense. The away side earned five corner kicks in the first half, but did not trouble Phurba Lachenpa in the Mumbai goal.
The Chennaiyin wingers were sending in crosses throughout the match, but the opposition defense were alert to the danger, with Valpuia making two crucial clearances at the back post.
The Islanders started the second half with more intent, earning an early corner. This early pressure led to them taking the lead after four minutes of the restart. Joni Kauko's attempted cross, aimed at Pereyra Díaz in the box, took a huge deflection off Pritam Kotal and found the target, wrong-footing Mohammad Nawaz in goal.
Chennaiyin maintained possession after going behind, but their attacking pattern remained the same, using their wide players to whip in crosses into the box. Mumbai City's defense maintained their shape and ensured the opposition forwards did not create any clear-cut scoring chances.
Chennaiyin earned a total of 15 corner kicks, including four in succession, but were unable to capitalize. The closest they came to scoring was when Mandar Rao Dessai could not get a proper connection after an initial corner kick was recycled into the box during the dying stages of the match.
In the end, Mumbai City held on to their slender lead to secure all three points.
