Mumbai win Maha derby

Mumbai FC won the Maha Derby by edging out hosts Pune FC 2-1 at the Balewadi Sports Complex here on Saturday.

In an action packed encounter wherein over 6000 spectators were in attendance, NP Pradeep (12th) and Yusuf Yakubu (60th) netted the winners for Mumbai FC while the lone goal for Pune FC came off the boots of Arata Izumi (41st).

Mumbai FC, who garnered three points from this win, now have 14 points while Pune remain on 19.

It was one of the rare occasions where Pune FC had to return empty handed in their own backyard. While the victory was long awaited for Khalid Jamil-coached Mumbai FC.

“They all played as a well-knit team. But, Pune played an excellent game especially when they were 1-2 down. It is great win for us,”said Jamil.

“We have ourselves to blame for the defeat,” said Mike Snoei, the Pune FC coach, at the same time applauded their opponents. “They played well and especially Yusif Yakubu who is a very intellegent player. He knows how to make space for him,” added Snoei.

Stopwatch: Pune 1 (A Izumi 41) lost to Mumbai FC (P Pradeep 12, Y Yakubu 60); Sporting Goa 1 (B Karpeh 49) bt Dempo 0; Rangadajied United 1 (S Kim 45) lost to East Bengal 2 (G Singh 41, S Malsawmatulanga 84)