Mumbai FC’s five-match unbeaten run was brought to a halt by Air India, who emerged 4-1 victors in an I-League Round 10 away encounter at the Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune, on Sunday.
Ezeh Henry (36th minute) and Micky Fernandes (40th) put the host 2-0 up inside the first half before Yusif Yakubu (45+1st) pulled one back for Mumbai FC. However strikes from Vijith Shetty (72nd) and Souvik Chakraborty (90+2nd) rounded off the scoreline in favour of the Airmen.
Mumbai FC went into the Mumbai-derby with one change to their starting lineup. Medio Darren Caldeira replaced Subhas Chakraborty as Yakubu once again was paired along with Gabriel Fernandes upfront.
The game began with both sides forced into creating moves from their own half. Mumbai FC created the first chance of the game in the 12th minute when Yakubu got into a good position inside the box. However, the striker’s left-footed attempt hit the side-netting.
“We played well but Sukhwinder stood as a solid wall between us and the goal. To add to our misery, even the goalpost and the cross piece rescued Air India,” said Mumbai FC coach Jamil Khalid about the defeat in this Mumbai Derby.
Stopwatch: Air India 4 (Ezeh 36, Mickey Fernandes 39, Vijith Shetty 72, Souvik Chakraborty 90+1) bt Mumbai FC 1 (Yusif Yakubu 45)
