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Mumbai City FC complete loan move for Cássio Gabriel

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Mumbai: Mumbai City FC announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder Cássio Gabriel on a season-long loan from Campeonato Brasileirao Serie B club Vila Nova.

Fondly known as ‘Cássinho’, the 29-year old started his youth career at Fluminense’s under 20s side and went on to play for a number of Brazilian clubs such as Paysandu SC, Bento Goncalves, Guarani, Anapolis, ASEEV-GO, Penapolense, Piracicaba, Sao Bento, Botafogo and Mirassol before joining Vila Nova in June 2020. Cássio, who can play on either wings or through the middle as an attacking mid, made 12 appearances for Vila Nova and has one assist to his name.

During his stint with Fluminense’s youth side, the Patrocinio-born midfielder was also loaned to the Croatian club Hajduk Split in 2013, the only club Cássio played for outside of his native Brazil.

Cássio Gabriel said: Mumbai City have a great profile back home in Brazil. There are a number of Brazilians who have played at Mumbai City and I’ve only heard positive things about the Club. Mumbai City are the defending champions and their ambition is what convinced me that this is where I want to be. The Club wants to win titles, they want to be the best, not only in India but at a continental level, and I am really excited to be part of a Club of this mentality.

The ISL is one of the fastest-growing leagues in the world, and the quality of football being played here is really great. I know we have a massive season ahead of us, defending the ISL title as well as the AFC Champions League campaign. It will be a new challenge for me, but I am fully prepared for it, and I cannot wait to start this exciting journey with my new family.

Head Coach, Sergio Lobera said: Cássio comes from an excellent football pedigree and brings a lot of valuable experience along with his skillset on the pitch. I believe he can be a vital member of the Mumbai City family and certainly contribute positively to the team’s performance. We are pleased to have a great talent like Cássio on our side.

(Mumbai City FC Media)

 

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Transfers

Mumbai City FC confirm arrival of defender Rahul Bheke

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Mumbai City FC sign defender Rahul Bheke

Mumbai: Mumbai City FC announced the arrival of Rahul Bheke. The defender joins the Islanders having put pen to paper on a two-year contract until the end of the 2022-23 campaign with an option to extend for a further season.

The 30-year-old, who can play across the back line, started his career through the youth sides of Mahindra United and went on to play for Air India, Mumbai Tigers and Mumbai FC before moving to East Bengal in 2015. Bheke is also a seasoned campaigner in the Indian Super League having featured for fellow ISL sides Kerala Blasters, FC Pune City and most recently Bengaluru FC, making 92 appearances over the last six seasons. Bheke has also scored five times in the ISL, including an extra-time winner in the 2018-19 ISL Final leading Bengaluru FC to the title.

Currently with the Indian National Team’s preparatory camp in Kolkata ahead of the International Friendlies, Bheke has been capped 13 times since making his debut for the Blue Tigers vs Curaçao in June 2019 during the Kings’ Cup in Thailand and recently featured in the Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Rahul Bheke said: “It’s a surreal feeling, to have joined Mumbai City. This is my hometown club and of course, the defending champions. The feeling of representing your city and your people is what makes this game more special for me, and I did not have to think twice when the opportunity to join Mumbai City came about. I am aware of the ambitions we have at our club and the expectations that the coach Sergio Lobera has from me, and I’m fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. I’m ready to start this new journey with my new family and make memories with our fans.”

Head Coach, Sergio Lobera: “Rahul is an experienced professional. He’s tremendously versatile in his abilities and he brings the traits of a leader, which is highly regarded in our club. Rahul knows what it takes to be a winner and he has the right mentality. He’s a Mumbai boy and I am sure he knows what it means to be here and what it would take. We are happy to have him here and I am confident that he can contribute positively at Mumbai City.”

(Mumbai City FC Media)

 

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Transfers

Mumbai City FC complete signing of Lalengmawia ‘Apuia’ Ralte

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Lalengmawia ‘Apuia’ Ralte signs for Mumbai City FC

Mumbai: Mumbai City FC have confirmed that the club has agreed a deal with NorthEast United for the transfer of Lalengmawia for an undisclosed fee. The promising young midfielder joins the defending ISL Champions on a five-year contract until May 2026.

Lalengmawia, or Apuia Ralte as he’s fondly known, rose through the ranks of the AIFF Elite Academy and made his name after being the only player from Mizoram to make it to India’s squad for the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup. After two hugely impressive seasons that followed in the I League with the Indian Arrows, where Apuia made 13 appearances and scored a goal, the central midfielder signed for NorthEast United in the ISL ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.

The 20-year old turned out on 10 occasions in his debut campaign for the Highlanders and stepped it up in the following season, featuring in each of the 22 games and scoring a memorable strike from distance in NorthEast United’s run to the semifinals in the recently concluded 2020-21 season.

Apuia marked a milestone season in his short career as he led out NorthEast United as the youngest captain in ISL history before being named ISL’s Emerging Player of the Season and the FPAI Young Player of the Season for 2020-21. His outstanding performances in the domestic season earned him his first call up to the Indian National Team, as he made his international debut for the Blue Tigers against Oman in a 1-1 draw earlier this year.

With a bright, promising future ahead, Apuia joins Mumbai City ahead of a historic season with a chance to defend both, the ISL League Winners’ Shield and the ISL Trophy, and represent India at the 2022 AFC Champions League.

Apuia Ralte said “Firstly, I want to thank NorthEast United for giving me the opportunity to play at the highest level in India but now, I feel I am ready to take the next step in my career. To join a club of Mumbai City’s stature is a huge honour for me and for my family. The club has the ambition and the intent, not just to win titles in India but to make a mark in Asia as well and I want to be a part of it. The club had a hugely successful last season and I believe we’re on the right path to build something special here. I am still young, I have a lot to learn and I am looking forward to getting to work with the coach Sergio Lobera, his staff and my new teammates.”

Head Coach, Sergio Lobera said “A player of Apuia’s calibre brings a lot of quality to the team and reminds us that if you are good enough, you are old enough. He is an exciting talent, possibly the best of his generation, and he is the right type of individual that we want at Mumbai City. There is no doubt that there is great maturity and flair in the way he plays his football and we want to give Apuia the right platform and the right guidance to become the exceptional player that he can be at Mumbai City for years to come. I am pleased to welcome Apuia to the club and I wish him all the good health and success.”

Club co-owner, Bimal Parekh said:  “We are delighted to be able to bring in a talented young boy like Apuia to Mumbai City. It is no surprise that we faced considerable competition for his signature given the sheer quality Apuia brings to the table. Although he is only 20, we are confident that Apuia can make a difference right away and at the same time, we want to help him achieve to his full potential as well. We are committed to his long-term development and we will spare no effort to provide Apuia the right opportunities and platform within the Indian football ecosystem and beyond.”

(FC Mumbai City Media)

 

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Transfers

Mumbai City FC rope in experienced striker Igor Angulo

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Mumbai City FC rope in experienced striker Igor Angulo

Mumbai: Mumbai City FC have announced the arrival of striker Igor Angulo. The 37-year-old Spaniard joins the reigning ISL League Winners’ and Champions after putting pen to paper on a one-year contract with the Islanders.

The experienced striker was one of the vital cogs for fellow ISL club FC Goa, making it to the playoffs in the 2020-21 ISL season. He scored as many as 14 goals in 21 games to bag the Golden Boot award in his debut ISL campaign.

Before coming to India, Angulo plied his trade for four seasons in the Polish Ekstraklasa, Poland’s top-flight football league with Gornik Zabrze, where he tasted a lot of success. He emerged among the top two goal scorers in three consecutive seasons and had also won the Golden Boot in the 2018-19 season having scored 24 goals. During his time in Poland, Igor played 154 matches and scored 88 goals.

The Spanish striker, who started his career with Athletic Bilbao in Spain, has experience of playing in several other countries like France, Cyprus and Greece.

Igor Angulo said: “It’s an honour to join the champions Mumbai City and to be a part of a club that has grand ambitions and wants to fight for titles. I have spent one season in India so far and my experience of the ISL has been incredible. But my focus remains on what I set out to do everywhere I’ve played – I want to win the league.

The club’s mentality and the coach Sergio Lobera’s philosophy fits right with the way I want to play football too and I am delighted to be here. We have a massive season ahead of us. It will be an honour to defend both our trophies and represent India in the AFC Champions League and I’m ready for the challenge. I cannot wait to get started with my new family and represent our fans and the city of Mumbai in the best way we can.”

Head Coach, Sergio Lobera said: “Igor is a veteran campaigner and a class act on and off the field. We’ve seen his goalscoring prowess in the previous seasons and how dangerous he can be for the opposition. He is someone who will bring a lot of valuable experience along with his skill and we are confident he can help us and bring the best out of the players playing alongside him. His understanding of the game and his guile on a football pitch will be an asset for us in this historic season that lies ahead of us. I am really pleased to have Igor with us at Mumbai City.

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Transfers

ISL Champions Mumbai City FC agree three-year extension with Pranjal Bhumij

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Mumbai City FC have confirmed that Pranjal Bhumij has signed a three-year contract extension with the club.

Mumbai: Mumbai City FC have confirmed that Pranjal Bhumij has signed a three-year contract extension with the club. After four seasons, the young attacker has committed his future to the Islanders until May 2024.

Born in Assam, Pranjal started off his footballing journey playing for various clubs in Guwahati and then rose through the ranks at DSK Shivajians in the I League from the u18s to the first team. He featured for India at the youth level in the 2017 U-18 SAFF Championships in Bhutan and played in three out of the four games in the tournament. At the age of 18, Pranjal was picked by the Islanders in the 2017 ISL Draft, joining the club as a developmental player capable of playing anywhere across the attack.

Now 22, Pranjal has continued his development over four years with the Islanders – he has turned out for Mumbai City on 25 occasions and has scored one of the most iconic goals in the club’s history – an incredible 93rd minute strike from 30 yards out away to Kerala Blasters in 2018 in the ISL – his only goal for the club so far.

Pranjal made four appearances under Sergio Lobera in the recently concluded 2020/21 campaign and most notably got his first start of the season in the final game of the league stage against ATK Mohun Bagan. Pranjal was one of the architects of the Islanders’ strong performance in a must-win game as the club went on to lift the ISL League Winners’ Shield, and then later the ISL Trophy.

Pranjal Bhumij said: “For the last four years, Mumbai City has been an immense part of my life. I have been able to gain so much invaluable experience from the different coaches I’ve worked with over the years. Moreover, the club has put their faith in me and I cannot express enough how thankful I am to them. I am only 22, I have a lot to learn and achieve, and I did not have to think twice before committing my future to this huge club. I hope I can repay the trust of the management, the coach Sergio Lobera, my teammates and our fans and keep giving my best every time I pull on the Mumbai City shirt.”

Head Coach, Sergio Lobera said:“I strongly believe that Pranjal is one of the best young talents in India. We see him in training every day and the quality and potential he shows really excites us for what the future holds. More importantly, he’s a wonderful person. He is an excellent professional who is determined to learn and he is very mature and level-headed for a young boy. His attitude with help him a great deal in his career. We are delighted that he will be continuing with Mumbai City and I wish him a very bright future with us.”

(Mumbai City FC Media)

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Features

Rowllin Borges agrees contract extension with ISL Champions Mumbai City FC

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Mumbai City FC announce that midfielder Rowllin Borges has agreed to a contract extension with the Club which will see him commit his future to the Islanders until May 2024.

Mumbai: Mumbai City FC have announced that midfielder Rowllin Borges has agreed to a contract extension with the Club which will see him commit his future to the Islanders until May 2024, with an option to extend for a further year.

The 28-year-old was a vital cog in the Mumbai City squad that clinched the unique ‘double’ in the 2020/21 season, winning the ISL League Winners’ Shield and the ISL Trophy. The Goan midfield lynchpin made 20 appearances for the Islanders in the 2020/21 season, scoring twice and providing one assist. With 1124 completed passes, Rowllin also finished the season in the top three passers in the league.

Currently a part of the Indian National Team squad for the Qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup China 2023, Rowllin has established his position as one of the best midfielders in the country and will continue to be a key figure for Sergio Lobera’s Islanders in a highly anticipated 2021-22 campaign and the foreseeable future.

Rowllin Borges said: “This team, this club, it is my family. I am delighted to commit my future here, with Mumbai City. The last two years of my career have been an incredible learning curve for me and especially the last season – it was nothing short of a dream for all of us.”

“Coach Sergio Lobera’s style is very unique, and it’s the style I enjoy the most. I have evolved both as a player and as a person under him, and it’s a great moment for me to be able to continue here at Mumbai City for the best years of my career. Last season’s trophies was just the beginning for us, and I am looking forward to celebrating a lot more successes with the Islanders’ family for a long time to come.”

Head Coach, Sergio Lobera said:  “As I have said before, to win trophies you need to have good Indian players and I think Rowllin is the best in his position. He has consistently shown his quality and he proved it again last season in particularly tough circumstances. He’s a figure of inspiration for his teammates and everyone in the group. It’s really good to have him around. He is not only experienced, but also a great team player, and for me that matters the most. I am very happy that Rowllin has extended his time with the Mumbai City family and I wish him many more years of success with us.”

(Mumbai City FC Media)

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Mumbai City bid farewell to Amrinder Singh after five seasons

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Mumbai City FC can confirm that Amrinder Singh will leave the club after his contract ends on May 31.

Mumbai: Mumbai City FC can confirm that Amrinder Singh will leave the club after his contract ends today, on May 31. The 27-year old goalkeeper will bid farewell to the Islanders after spending five seasons with the defending ISL Champions and League Winners.

Amrinder, who joined the club on September 7, 2016 initially on loan from Bengaluru FC, made his debut for the Islanders in a 0-0 draw against FC Goa later in the year in November. Despite joining midway through the 2016 ISL campaign, Amrinder notched up five clean sheets in six appearances, leading Mumbai City FC to their first ever ISL semi-final appearance, and made his way to the Golden Glove award in his debut season with the Islanders.

The Mahilpur-born goalkeeper stayed on with Mumbai City for the 2017-18 campaign and gave glimpses of his brilliance in goal in an otherwise forgettable season as the Islanders finished 7th in the table. However, his performances were duly rewarded as Amrinder put pen to paper on a three year extension with his club in March 2018.

Named as one of the club’s captains by Jorge Costa in the 2018-19 campaign, Amrinder continued his rise as one of the finest shot-stoppers in the country and led Mumbai City to only their second semi-final appearance in five seasons of the ISL, but only to make it so far yet again.

On January 4, 2020, Amrinder created history by becoming the highest capped player in the history of Mumbai City when he led the Islanders out against ATK at the Mumbai Football Arena, passing the record set earlier by Lucian Goian. The Islanders, however, missed out on consecutive semi-final appearances on the final day of the league later in the same campaign.

Amrinder would soon play a crucial role in one of the most important seasons in the club’s history. He remained as one of the leaders of the side under incoming head coach Sergio Lobera in a highly successful 2020-21 season and was instrumental towards leading Mumbai City to first, the ISL League Winners’ Shield and then, the elusive ISL Trophy – the first pieces of silverware in the club’s history.

With 84 appearances for Mumbai City FC, his last one coming in the iconic 2020-21 ISL Final at the Fatorda, Amrinder leaves the Islanders as the Islanders’ highest appearance maker and an icon in the history of the Club.

Amrinder Singh said: “I came to this club five years ago as a boy and now I leave as a man. I have learnt so much about football and about life in my time at Mumbai City FC. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best players, the best coaches, and staff here in Mumbai.”

 “Moreover, I will cherish every minute I’ve spent playing in front of our fans. They are the backbone of this club and I can never forget all the love and support they’ve given me and my teammates in good times and especially, the not-so-good times.”

“This club is my family and it’s always tough to say goodbye to family. But I am proud that I can leave this family as a champion, winning our first ever trophies, and I will always hold Mumbai City close to my heart.”

Club co-owner, Bimal Parekh said: “Amrinder will leave behind a legacy at the club as a leader, as an inspiration and his contributions to Mumbai City FC in the last five years will not be forgotten. He’s made his place in our short history so far. We would like to thank Amrinder and wish him nothing but the best for whatever the future holds.”

Head Coach, Sergio Lobera said: “It’s no secret that Amrinder has been an important part of Mumbai City’s history. Amrinder’s influence both on and off the pitch was immense and his role in our incredibly successful last season cannot be understated. He helped his teammates improve and he helped me learn many things as a coach too. I wish him good luck and good health in his future.”

(Mumbai City FC Media)

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Indian Super League

FC Goa beat Mumbai City in a six-goal thriller

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Mumbai, Maharashtra: FC Goa returned to winning ways and climbed to the top of the Hero Indian Super League table with a 4-2 win against Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Thursday.

The goal-fest began with Lenny Rodrigues giving Goa the lead in the 27th minute. The visitors doubled their lead with a Ferran Corominas (45′) strike just before half-time. The second half saw three goals in the space of ten minutes, with Mumbai City equalizing in quick session through Sarthak Golui (49′), Souvik Chakrabarti (55′) and later Hugo Boumous (59′) putting the visitors back in lead. Carlos Pena (89′) scored another late in the game to rub further salt into Mumbai’s wounds.

Sergio Lobera’s team picked up their second win of the season and are atop with eight points after four rounds. Mumbai are fifth with four points in their kitty.

Mumbai refused to sit back and let Goa pass the ball around in the opening minutes but the hosts, however, failed to test Mohammed Nawaz’s goal during that period. This allowed the visitors to get back into the game and draw first blood.

In the 27th minute, a Brandon Fernandes corner-kick found Lenny with just enough space inside the box to take a touch, turn and place his shot into the bottom left corner of the net to score his first goal for the club.

Mumbai responded well and pressed high up the field. Bipin Singh’s cross from the flank was met by Subhasish Bose who headed it into the path of Diego Carlos. The Brazilian striker hit the side-netting from a dangerous position, leaving the Goan defence relieved.

At the stroke of half-time, Goa carved the Mumbai defence open with a simple yet effective passing move. Boumous fed Seriton Fernandes in behind Bose and the full-back’s cross into the centre was well received by Ferran Corominas who took a touch and found the net to score the Gaurs’ second.

The hosts came out for the restart with renewed vigour and hit back immediately. Mohammed Larbi’s corner-kick from the left found Golui at the far post and the defender, left completely unmarked, nodded a looping header into the net.

Mumbai soon pulled level courtesy of a neat finish by Chakrabarti. Bipin’s cross into the box was initially cleared but the ball fell to Raynier who laid it off for Chakrabarti to execute an excellent strike into the bottom corner.

With the sides level and nothing to separate them, the match opened up. Goa regained the lead when Mourtada Fall rose highest inside the box to a flick a free-kick across goal towards Boumous. The 24-year-old midfielder’s header bulged the net, leaving Amrinder with no chance.

Goa added a fourth to seal the win in the 89th minute. Edu Bedia’s free-kick from the right flank was met by Pena with a smart flick to guide it past the goalkeeper.

(ISL Media)

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Indian Super League

Cracker in Mumbai as Odisha slam four past Mumbai in their first win

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Mumbai, Maharashtra: Odisha FC bounced back from two consecutive defeats in style as they hammered Mumbai City FC 4-2 to pick up their first win of the Hero Indian Super League 2019-20 at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Thursday.

The visitors impressed with their aggressive approach in the first half and were three goals up at the end of it. Xisco Hernandez (6′) opened the scoring before goals from Aridane Santana (21′, 73′) and Jerry Mawihmingthanga (41′) sealed the win. Mohamed Larbi’s (51′) penalty and a late fortuitous hit from Bipin Singh (90+4’) turned out to be nothing more than a consolation for Mumbai who looked lacklustre.

Odisha got off to a terrific start by scoring six minutes into the match. Santana played the ball towards Xisco who dribbled into the box, dropped his shoulder to beat Pratik Chaudhari and curled a simple finish into the net.

Josep Gombau’s men were then denied by the crossbar as they chased a second goal. Santana’s deflected effort from the edge of the box ricocheted wide off the woodwork.

But the visitors soon doubled their lead midway through the half. Shubham Sarangi released Jerry down the right flank whose low cross to the edge of the box was turned in by Santana with an excellent first-time effort.

Mumbai weren’t without chances at the other end but lacked composure inside the box. Amine Chermiti failed to hit the target from a Serge Kevyn cross and Diego Carlos’ cross for Kevyn went wide.

The hosts’ defence was punished with another blow just before the break. Nandhakumar Sekar cut in from the left and sent a curling effort at the goal which hit the bar. The rebound fell to Jerry who took a touch and dispatched it into the net to stun the home crowd.

Mumbai’s pursuit for a way back into the game was helped when Kevyn chased a lob into the box and collided with an onrushing Francisco Dorronsoro, forcing the referee to point to the spot. Mohamed Larbi calmly slotted home from 12 yards to open a window of hope for his team.

The game slowed down considerably after the hour-mark and Mumbai struggled to sustain the intensity with which they started the second half. Odisha waited for their moment and soon added the fourth goal.

After a neat exchange of passes outside the box, Jerry swung a delightful cross into the box from the right which was headed home by Santana who completed a brace and doused the home crowd’s hopes of a comeback.

Just as the game wound down in injury time, Bipin’s hopeful drilled effort from the left flank crept past Dorronsoro at his near post.

(ISL Media)

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Indian Super League

Chennaiyin, Mumbai play out entertaining draw on Diwali evening

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Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Though the score remain unchanged throughout, Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City played out an entertaining draw in a Hero Indian Super League clash here at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium on Diwali evening.

Festive spirits were not dampened despite the game lacking goals. Both teams created a host of chances in an intense encounter. However, poor finishing meant that the teams had to share honours in the Marina Arena.

The result sees Chennaiyin FC get their first point of the season on board while Mumbai City join NorthEast United at the top of the table with four points from two games.

Chennaiyin could have stormed into the lead within 30 seconds when Rafael Crivellaro fed Andre Schembri through on goal. But the Maltese striker could only toe the ball forward on the stretch which was blocked by Mumbai City goalkeeper Amrinder. The rebound fell for Rafael who saw his effort miraculously palmed over Amrinder’s outstretched arm.

The home team looked full of attacking intent in that opening period, with Rafael pulling the strings. The Brazilian did exceedingly well to hold on to the ball in the 11th minute down the left wing, before rolling his marker and unleashing a vicious shot that flew just over.

Minutes later, a poor defensive header from Souvik Chakrabarti saw Lallianzuala Chhangte race through on goal but his tame effort was blocked by Amrinder and Rafael, who was following up, shot wide.

Mumbai City, who were struggling to put together moves, were dealt a blow in the 24th minute when Modou Sougou went off injured with Serge Kevyn replacing him.

However, Mumbai started to grow into the game soon after and Amine Chermiti had two good chances to score. First, he lobbed over after a disastrous backpass from Edwin Vanspaul before heading a Raynier Fernandes cross over from point-blank range in the 27th minute.

Just past the half-hour mark, Kevyn was sent through on goal by Rowllin Borges but the substitute shot wide as Mumbai started to exert themselves.

The Islanders finished the half well but found themselves under pressure at the restart as Chennaiyin showed some urgency. Several chances were created but the goal remained elusive.

In a bid to gain more control, Mumbai City head coach Jorge Costa brought in Portuguese midfielder Paulo Machado for Raynier Fernandes. The substitute almost had an impact when his pass found Kevyn in space down the left but his first-time shot was tipped away by Chennaiyin custodian Vishal Kaith.

John Gregory’s side had to change their plans after Rafael went down injured after a tough challenge from Souvik, which forced the Englishman to bring on Masih Saighani.

After a bit of a lull, Chennaiyin started to pile the pressure and almost got a break in the 80th minute. A good passing move saw Anirudh Thapa play in Nerijus Valskis just inside the penalty box but the lanky forward’s shot went wide.

The home team continued to threaten on the counter but a combination of poor decision-making from them and last-gasp defending by Mumbai City kept the scores level.

Though Mumbai City were reduced to 10 men in injury time after Souvik was sent off for a cynical foul on Thoi Singh, Chennaiyin could not force a winner.

(ISL Media)

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