Mumbai City FC emerged triumphant in a thrilling 4-2 encounter against Kerala Blasters FC at the Mumbai Football Arena. In a match that ebbed and flowed, the victory was powered by a brace from Nikolaos Karelis, alongside goals from Nathan Rodrigues and Lallianzuala Chhangte, securing their first home win of the campaign. With this victory, Mumbai City moved up to seventh position on the table, securing nine points from six matches.
Mumbai City FC opened the match with purpose, fuelled by an enthusiastic home crowd. Within the first five minutes, the Islanders tested Kerala Blasters' defence with three early attempts on goal.
The action began in the first minute as Brandon Fernandes curled a shot from outside the box, narrowly missing the target. Soon after, Nikolaos Karelis found Lallianzuala Chhangte, who unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from distance, sending the ball just over the crossbar. Fernandes attempted again in the fifth minute, but his shot sailed high, as Mumbai City continued to relentlessly press for an early breakthrough.
Petr Kratky’s men broke the deadlock in the 8th minute. Valpuia glided into the box and skilfully connected with Chhangte, who squared it to Karelis. With composure, Karelis slotted the ball into the back of the net, putting Mumbai City FC ahead at 1-0.
While Mumbai City FC pressed to extend their advantage, Kerala Blasters also intensified their search for an equaliser through the remainder of the first half. However, Mumbai City’s resilient backline held firm, successfully repelling Kerala’s advances. Despite the Blasters’ five shots on target, the Islanders went into the break with their one-goal lead intact.
Mumbai City FC carried their momentum into a high-octane second half, with Chhangte once again at the center of the action. Charging into the box from the right flank, he attempted to link up with Karelis for a second time, but it resulted in a corner.
Karelis delivered a dangerous ball into the box that led to a penalty for Mumbai City. Stepping up with confidence, Karelis converted with ease, extending the lead to 2-0 and completing his brace in the 57th minute.
Minutes later, however, Kerala Blasters hit back, winning a penalty of their own. Jesús Jiménez stepped up and slotted it home, narrowing the scoreline to 2-1. Kerala’s Kwame Peprah was then red carded but only after his leaping header had found the equaliser for Kerala Blasters to make it 2-2 in the 71st minute.
In the 75th minute, Mumbai City FC reclaimed the lead. Off a crucial corner, Brandon Fernandes found Nathan Rodrigues, who showed remarkable control and let go of a left-footed volley into the bottom left corner, marking his first goal for the Islanders and bringing the scoreline to 3-2. Chhangte then sealed the game in the 90th minute, confidently converting a second penalty to make it 4-2.
Mumbai City FC will once again be in action when they take on Chennayin FC in an away encounter on 9th November.
