In a pulsating contest at the Mumbai City Football Arena, the Islanders played out their first-ever goalless draw with Bengaluru FC in 16 matches. Despite relentless pressure and 14 shots on goal, Mumbai couldn’t find the breakthrough in a fiercely competitive game. With end-to-end action, the match kept the packed stadium on edge until the final whistle.
The first half came alive early with both teams mounting dangerous attacks. Mumbai City FC's first opportunity came just two minutes in when Brandon Fernandes attempted to pick out Karelis near goal, only for Bengaluru’s goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, to swiftly thwart the move.
Valpuia created another chance, threading a pass to Karelis in the 12th minute, but the striker's sharp header was denied. As the half progressed, Petr Kratky’s men continued to press on both flanks. In the 25th minute, Yoëll Van Nieff whipped in a pinpoint cross to Tiri, whose shot was deflected for a corner.
Despite Bengaluru FC dominating possession, Mumbai remained steadfast in defence, with goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa producing a crucial save to deny Edgar Mendez in the 32nd minute. Just before half-time, Brandon Fernandes released to Manzorro, but the latter's deft shot sailed just over the crossbar.
The second half saw intent from both teams, but it was Mumbai that relentlessly pursued the opening goal. Noufal was brought in for the second half and he had an instant impact, asking questions of Bengaluru’s defence on the wings. In the 59th minute, Noufal unleashed a powerful strike, rebounding Van Nieff’sfree-kick, but he could not find the back of the net.
Phurba Lachenpa’s services were sought again in the 68th minute, when he saved Sunil Chhetri’s headerfrom inside the box. Mumbai were agonisingly close when another curling free-kick from Van Nieff was deployed to find an outstretched Tiri, but his acrobatic effort only rattled the crossbar and it fell back into play, in the 78th minute.
In Mumbai’s last chance of the night, Nikolaos Karelis attempted to net the ball from a distance, but the shot was wayward, and it was full-time soon after. The Islanders now sit with two points in three matches as they gear up to take on FC Goa on October 19th, in an away fixture.
