New Delhi: Mahindra United and Mumbai FC played out a goalless draw in the 14th round I-League match at the Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai in a game where the referees grabbed all the headlines.
Mumbai FC started with their usual 4-3-3 formation with Noel Wilson coming in for Riston Rodrigues in the middle of the park. Mahindra United had Douhou Pierre playing just behind Chidi Edeh with Krishnan Ajayan and Sukhwinder in the central midfield.
The much expected derby started with Noel Wilson's 20 yarder shot going just wide.
In the eighth minute, Steven Dias released Chidi Edeh on the right but the Nigerian striker, instead of passing it to a free Douhou inside the area, went for a shot himself and wasted the opportunity.
Five minutes later, Mumbai FC had their opportunity off a Noel Wilson free-kick from the left with Felix's header towards Abhishek but the Indian international's left footer was a poor one.
Soon thereafter, Noel Wilson was brought into the action as his 30 yarder was punched out brilliantly by Mahinbdra custodian Subashish Chowdhury.
Both goalkeepers had their moments with Kalyan Chaubey having a misunderstanding with his defenders in clearing the ball while Subashish Chowdhury was not far behind poor goal-kick.
James Dissiramah's free-kick from the half-line was flicked by Abhishek Yadav towards Hammond whose shot from inside the area was saved by Subashish Chowdhury for a corner.
Around the hour mark, Noel free-kick's was headed by Abhishek towards fellow striker Felix Aboagye who missed a glorious opportunity from five yards by shooting the ball into the orbit.
The 38th minute turned out to be the crucial moment in the game. Chidi Edeh's cross from the left was met by Steven Dias' header which was on its way in until Kamaljeet Kumar handled the ball. The linesman Egidio D.Costa shockingly didn't give the decision Mahindra's way which but obviously annoyed coach Derrick Pereira.
Chidi Edeh laid the ball for Krishnan Ajayan at the edge of the box but the Mahindra skipper's right footer ballooned over.
In the second session, the first chance went Mumbai FC's way when Noel Wilson found Abel Hammond on the right. The Ghanaian passed it for Fellix who delayed the shot and laid it for Noel Wilson and the chance went begging.
In the 56th minute, Felix Aboagye missed a tap in with D. Ravanan coming in the way and thus saved his side from going down.
Mahindra's best moment came around the hour mark. Debabrata Roy did the dummy while Steven Dias' eventual free-kick was palmed by Kalyan Chaubey. An onrushing Lamine Tamba headed the rebound which came off the crossbar.
The very next minute substitute Alex Ambrose could have put his side into the lead when in a one-on-one situation but Mahindra custodian Subashish Chowdhury came out and collected.
At the other end, Douhou was in full flow as he went past a few Yellow shirts and his final ball to Arata was well intercepted by Kalyan Chaubey.
The refereeing in the match was horrible to say the least. Selwyn Fernandes' back-pass was collected by Kalyan Chaubey with his hands and the linesman was found sleeping.
In the meantime, two Mumbai FC players – Sanjay Parte and Kalia Kulothungan picked up yellow cards. Steven Dias had another go at the goal but his shot was deflected off a Mumbai FC defender for a corner.
The match ended with the same scoreline with Mahindra United being made to suffer by the referee for not awarding a penalty in the first half.
Mumbai FC are still fourth placed with 23 points while Mahindra are in seventh spot with 16.
More from Goal.comEPL predictions: Round 25English angle: England won't miss Liverpool crock Steven Gerrard against SpainCalcio debate: Why Italy should take Amauri from Brazil
Comments
0 comment