Mumbai City FC suffered a narrow one-nil defeat against Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. The visitors had the dominant share of possession and created enough chances in the game, but Kwame Peprah’s goal was enough to separate the two sides, giving the hosts a win.
It was a sedate start to the game before Mumbai City FC came close to breaking the deadlock in the 10th minute, as their captain, Lallianzuala Chhangte struck the crossbar from an effort outside the box. Phurba Lachenpa was called into action in the 17th minute, keeping out a close-range header from Milos Drincic.
Bipin Singh helped the Islanders register another shot on target as he cut in from the left before unleashing an effort on goal. However, the Kerala Blasters goalkeeper had that one covered. Despite the humid conditions, Mumbai City FC were relentless with their pressing as they searched for the opening goal.
With the away side ensuring that they keep Kerala Blasters FC at an arm’s length, the hosts attempted a couple of long-range efforts on Phurba Lachenpa’s goal, but it didn’t cause any concern for Mumbai City FC’s number one.
The Islanders came close to opening the scoring in first half stoppage time, as Brandon Fernandes picked out Thaer Krouma in the box. The defender’s effort was denied with a block, keeping the two times level at 0-0 at the end of the first half.
Mumbai City FC made an early change, replacing Valpuia with Prabir Das after the first half. In a scrappy start to the second half, Kerala Blasters FC managed to get their noses in front in the 52nd minute, courtesy a thunderous strike from Kwame Peprah.
Mumbai City FC looked for an instant response and came close with a header from Vikram Partap Singh. In search of an equalizer, Petr Kratky made a double substitution in the 65th minute as Bipin Singh and Jon Toral made way for Jorge Ortiz and Noufal PN.
The visitors stayed in the hunt for a goal that would level things up. Lallianzuala Chhangte came close with a left-footed shot that whizzed past the Kerala Blasters goal in the 74th minute. As Mumbai City FC kept pushing for the leveller, Phurba Lachenpa kept his side in the game with a sharp save off Mohammed Aimen in the 78th minute.
As a final roll of the dice, Petr Kratky made a couple more substitutions in the 86th minute, introducing Nathan Rodrigues and Ayush Chhikara in place of Sahil Panwar and Brandon Fernandes.
Mumbai City FC fought until the end with Jorge Ortiz having a go from distance but to no avail. Vikram Partap Singh nearly stole a point for the visitors with an effort on goal, but it wasn’t meant to be as the attempt was cleared off the line.
Going into the final game of the season, Mumbai City FC need a point to quality for the playoffs. They will be up against Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on 11th March.
