Mumbai: Achille Emana’s calm finish from the spot gave Mumbai City FC a thrilling 1-0 win over Chennaiyin FC in their Indian Super League match at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Sunday.
Chennaiyin had been the home side’s nemesis winning four of their previous six meetings. Mumbai City had recorded their maiden win over Chennaiyin here last season and on Sunday, they bettered their record.
Mohammed Rafi and Thoi Singh missed sitters for their side but it was Mumbai City striker Rafael Jorda who had an off game failing to convert four clear chances on the counter.
The Alexandre Guimaraes side now have seven points from five games with both wins coming at home. Chennaiyin’s three-match winning streak was broken and they stay at nine points after five games.
Interestingly, Chennaiyin FC had their prolific goalscorer Jeje Lapekhlua on the bench as coach John Gregory made five changes to the side that beat ATK 3-2. Raphael Augusto also remained on the bench.
Chennaiyin looked to carry forward their dominance but both teams couldn’t produce a clear chance until the 29th minute.
Mumbai City kept pressing hard with Emana leading the way in midfield with smart penetrative passes but Jorda couldn’t capitalise.
Chennaiyin had a golden chance four minutes into second half when Rene Mihelic fed Rafi in free position whose shot was half saved by Amrinder but Thoi Singh had am empty goal on richochete to aim at, which he couldn’t do.
The visitors kept pressing but it was that man Balwant Singh again who made things happen for the home side. In the run of play, the Punjab lad produced an opportunity after he was challenged by defender Mailson Alves which centre referee Ranjit Baksh deemed was inside the box while the visitors argued it was just oustide. Emana converted the penalty in the 60th minute to ignite the home crowd.
Pune win
In Jamshedpur, FC Pune City defeated Jamshedpur FC 1-0 to hand the ISL debutants their first loss. Pune defender Adil Khan’s goal at the half an hour mark proved to be the difference between the sides at the JRD Tata Sports Complex.
