Mumbai FC’s fine 11-game unbeaten run came to an end as they succumbed to a 0-1 defeat at the hands of a determined DSK Shivajian, Pune in a fifth round match of the 2015-2016 AIFF Hero I-League football tournament, and played at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune on Sunday.
Attacking midfielder Pierre Djidja Dohou slipped in the lone goal from a counter in the 20th minute. Thereafter, the home side managed to hang on to their advantage to taste their first win in five games. This was the first defeat for the Mumbai outfit after going unbeaten in 11 straight games in this completion since last April.
Mumbai FC, continue to stay in fourth position with eight points from five games, while the Pune team has climbed up to the seventh place with four points also from five matches.
Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil started with Malemngamba Meetei instead of the experienced Steven Dias for Jayesh Rane, who is on national duty with the Indian Under-23 team that is participating in the ongoing SAG Games. Defender Clyde Fernandes was also replaced by Srikant Rammu in the starting line-up. The home team coach Derrick Pereira made as many as five changes to the squad from the last game.
The first session witnessed an even battle for supremacy, but midway through the half, the host from a snap effort snatched the breakthrough. Goalkeeper Subrata Paul, who had a great game was responsible in initiating the move when he rushed out to thwart a rival sweeping attack between Izumi Arata and Ryuki Kozawa and quickly release the ball to Surchandra Singh. The latter swiftly released it forward for Ivory Coast Dohou who controlled the ball as he advanced deep and unleashed a shot past goalkeeper Pawan Kumar, who left helpless.
Mumbai FC were unable to find the net and went into break trailing by that solitary goal.
In the second half, Mumbai FC started with more intent and enjoyed more possession but were unable to create clear chances. Early in the half their Liberian medio Eric Brown had two quick attempts, the first flying over and the second saved by a alert goalkeeper Paul. Later the visitors came close to the equalizer, but skipper Taisuke Matsugae after breaking free saw his shot deflect off the hands of Paul and come back off the framework in the 75th minute. That was the closest Mumbai FC came to scoring as the Pune club closed down all opening with some clever defending tactics, which ensured their victory.
Mumbai FC in the next round take on defending champions Mohun Bagan in a home game at the Cooperage on February 10.
Result – DSK Shivajians FC (Pierre Djidja Dohou 20th) beat Mumbai FC 0.