I-League: Mumbai, Mohun Bagan in stalemate

Mumbai FC held champions Mohun Bagan to a goalless draw in their I-League sixth round clash at the Cooperage here on Wednesday with resolute defending, to ensure they remain unbeaten at home this season.

Bagan moved to 11 points from five games while Mumbai have nine points from six games.

Big fan presence from either side set the stage for a high voltage contest but both teams exhibited caution in the initial stages.

The hosts had first real shot on target in the 15th minute when Eric Brown sent a teasing long range scorcher after Ryuki Kozawa took quick short free-kick. Brown’s kick almost found the right corner before goalkeeper Debjit Majumder used his full reach to dive to the right and pull off an excellent save.

Mumbai FC started the game without injured skipper Taisuke Matsugae who keenly followed the game from the stands.

Minchol Son and Anwar Ali with some help from Pratik Chowdhary manned the defence well to keep Cornell Glen, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Sony Norde in check. Ali and Chowdhary used their physical strength to optimum use to defy attacks.

Chowdhary had a rare lapse in concentration in the 28th minute when he gave ball in a dangerous position to Jeje in pursuit to clear the ball. Jeje found Bikramjit Singh who unleashed a rasping grounder to produce an exceptional save from Pawan Kumar in goal.

Norde’s curling free-kick was well kept away by Kumar to ensure a goalless first half.

Bagan had their best chance in the 82nd minute when Norde launched a quick counter from the left and found Yusa completely free on the right. The Japanese winger chose to strike from edge of penalty area ending up hitting straight to the goalkeeper. Mumbai FC had couple of chances but never found the net.