Mumbai City FC has an enviable attacking unit. Alberto Noguero has the ability to create chances from any part of the ground, Pereyra Diaz is a lethal number 9, Greg Stewart is a versatile goal scorer and the Indian trio of Bipin Rawat, Lallianzuala Chhangthe and Apuia have the quickest feet in Indian football.
And the versatility in their attack made the difference for Mumbai in their AFC playoff match against Jamshedpur FC at the Sports Council Stadium, Payyanad, Manjeri on Tuesday night. After a goalless first half, Mumbai City scored twice in the second half to beat their rivals 2-1 and book a spot in the AFC Champions League group stage.
After a disappointing ISL campaign, where they finished tenth in the points table, Jamshedpur started the game as underdogs and started on a defensive note. On the other hand, Mumbai coach Desmond Buckingham deployed four Mumbai forwards --- Pereyra Diaz, Bipin Rawat, Lallianzuala Chhangthe and Apuia --- to make his intentions clear.
But their efforts were thwarted by a hard-working Pronay Halder in the first half, who showed why he is still rated as one of the best defensive midfielders in the country.
Mumbai broke the deadlock in the 51st minute through a penalty. Mumbai were awarded a penalty after Ricky Lallawmawma brought down Lallianzuala Chhangthe in the box. Ahmed Jahouh sent the ball past TP Rehenesh to put Mumbai ahead.
After conceding the lead, Jamshedpur started attacking the Mumbai half but lacked the attacking prowess which Mumbai possessed. Though Jamshedpur managed to create some opportunities from a couple of swift counters, they failed to find the equalizer.
Mumbai came close to scoring their second goal in the 60th minute but Ricky’s quick thinking denied the ISL shield winners from doubling their lead. But Mumbai doubled the lead soon through Nougeuera in the 70th minute. The Spanish midfielder, who was behind all the moves created by Mumbai in the match, scored with a superb left-footed finish to seal the match for Mumbai.
With ten minutes to go for the final whistle, Jamshedpur pulled one back through El Sabia. But Mumbai held on to the one-goal advantage to advance.
