Mumbai franchise keeps mathematical chance of qualifying for semis after 2-1 win over Kolkata
Mumbai City FC's Pavel Cmovs (left) tackles Fikru Tefera Lemessa of Atletico de Kolkata during an ISL match at DY Patil Stadium yesterday
Mumbai: Mumbai City FC kept their hopes of making it to the semi-finals alive with a 2-1 victory over Atletico de Kolkata in their 13th round Indian Super League (ISL) match at Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium yesterday.
Mumbai City FC's Pavel Cmovs (left) tackles Fikru Tefera Lemessa of Atletico de Kolkata during an ISL match at DY Patil Stadium yesterday. Pic/Suresh KK
The win helped the struggling side, which had lost their last three games, to move up to the seventh position in the eight-team league with 15 points.
Mumbai, playing their last home game, showed the intent to win right from the start and dominated the proceedings early on.
The home side was jolted in the 14th minute when skipper Syed Rahim Nabi pulled his hamstring and was stretchered out.
Kickstart from Ralte
Midfielder Lalrindika Ralte broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when his left-footed shot found the net as Tiago Ribeiro set it up perfectly for him.
The Sourav Ganguly co-owned side drew level 20 minutes later when substitute Baljit Sahni slotted it home. Taking a free-kick, skipper Luis Garcia made a short pass to Borja Fernandez, who set it for Sahni.
The Peter Reid-coached side took the lead once again in the 76th minute when Manuel Friedrich headed the ball from a well executed free-kick from Ralte.
Missed opportunity
The hosts missed a golden opportunity to increase their lead in the 68th minute when striker Abhishek Yadav was caught napping inside the box and delayed taking a shot, allowing the defender to clear the ball to safety.
The final few minutes were anxious for both the sides as ATK found the net in the last minute of injury time but it was ruled out for off-side.
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