Mumbai City FC extended their unbeaten run to four matches following a 1-0 victory against Chennayin FC at the Mumbai Football Arena. Nikolaos Karelis provided the impetus with an early goal, while a steadfast defence kept Chennayin FC at bay and marked four consecutive clean sheets for the Islanders. Following the victory, Mumbai City FC moved to fourth place on the points table with 20 points in 12 matches.
Early on, Lallianzuala Chhangte found van Nieff, who drove forward with purpose. His deflected shot landed at the feet of Nikolaos Karelis, who calmly slotted it into the net to give Mumbai City FC a 1-0 lead. The Islanders kept the pressure on, with Jayesh and Vikram both testing the goalkeeper in quick succession, their shots coming in the 13th and 14th minutes, respectively.
Chennaiyin FC responded with an attempt at an equalizer when Lukas Brambilla took a left-footed shot from the right side of the box. However, Mumbai City FC goalkeeper, Rehenesh was well-positioned to make the save.
In the 26th minute, Chhangte displayed his creativity with a clever chipped pass to Vikram, but the Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper reacted swiftly, getting a vital touch to intercept the ball.
Van Nieff sent in a sharp free kick into the box in the 33rd minute. Jayesh Rane attempted to drive it across for Tiri, but the ball rolled out of play, keeping the scoreline intact. Vikram and Nathan soon combined with a quick one-two, creating space for Vikram to fire a shot, though it went wide of the target.
Karelis sought his second goal early in the second half, taking a long-range shot that was deflected for a corner. Chhangte threatened again in the 52nd minute with a strike from outside the box, but the goalkeeper made a comfortable save.
Mumbai City FC made their first substitution in the 62nd minute, with Bipin Singh replacing Jayesh Rane and Nathan Rodrigues making way for Sahil Panwar.
As the match progressed, Mumbai City earned another attempt with a corner in the 86th minute. Van Nieff delivered a well-placed ball into the box, with Mehtab meeting the cross. His close-range shot, however, was unsuccessful.
In stoppage time, Mumbai City FC made another substitution as Franklin Nazareth replaced Brandon Fernandes as the match ended with Mumbai City FC securing a 1-0 victory.
Mumbai City FC will feature in another home fixture on 30th December when they take on NorthEast United.
