Mumbai City emerged victorious in a crucial away encounter against Mohammedan SC, courtesy of Vikram Partap Singh's second half winner. Notably, the victory also marked three consecutive clean sheets for the Islanders.
Petr Kratky's men asserted their dominance early in the game, showcasing a commanding display of possession. The Islanders controlled 67% of the ball in the first half, completing twice as many passes as Mohammedan SC.
Earlier in the first half, a costly error by Mohammedan SC’s goalkeeper, Bhaskar Roy, gifted Lallianzuala Chhangte a golden opportunity just outside the box, but his shot drifted past the post.
Mumbai City suffered a setback in the 20th minute when Manzorro was forced off due to an injury. Despite the disruption, the Islanders continued to press forward.
In the 34th minute, Mohammed Irshad received his second yellow card of the match, limiting the hosts to 10 men for the remainder of the night.
Four minutes into the second half, Vikram Partap Singh put Mumbai City ahead with a decisive finish to score his first goal of the season. A punch by the Mohammedan SC goalkeeper deflected perfectly into Vikram's path, and he seized the opportunity, placing the ball into the net with precision.
In the 54th minute, Yoëll van Nieff unleased a powerful shot from distance, pushing the goalkeeper to his limit as he stretched to his fingertips to keep the Islanders from doubling their lead. Six minutes later, Vikram looked to double his tally with an ambitious strike from long range. He struck the ball cleanly, but the shot was dealt with by the goalkeeper.
A double substitution followed in the closing stages for Mumbai City. Vikram and Chhangte made way for Bipin Singh and Noufal PN with less than 20 minutes left on the clock.
In the 83rd minute, Tiri showcased his vision with a brilliant long ball out wide to Noufal. Driving into the box, Noufal took a shot, but it was straight to the goalkeeper.
Another double substitution took place in the 86th minute when Sahil Panwar and Daniel replaced Nikolaos Karelis and Valpuia, as Mumbai City sought to maintain their advantage with fresh legs in the dying embers of the game.
Following the night’s result, Mumbai City occupy the seventh position on the points table with 17 points in 11 matches. The Islanders will return to familiar territory on the 21st of December, when they take on Chennayin FC in a home game at the Mumbai Football Arena.
