MUMBAI: Mumbai FC and Bengaluru FC shared the spoils as the round nine I-League encounter between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw at the Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai on Tuesday evening.
Eugeneson Lyngdoh opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half before Josimar Martins pulled one back to level the score.
Khalid Jamil made one change to his starting line-up with Rahul Bheke coming in for Reisangmi Vashum. Meanwhile, Ashley Westwood was without the services of the suspended Robin Singh as Beikhokhei Beingaichho made his way in alongside Keegan Pereira who came in for Lalchhuanmawia Ralte.
In the opening minute itself, Jayesh Rane won a free-kick which was whipped in by Taisuke Matsugae. The delivery was flicked on to the far post where Ashutosh Mehta’s volley struck the side netting.
The game descended into a midfield scrap until the hosts produced a moment of real quality. Josimar did magnificently to win the ball and feed Rane who returned the favour. The striker then slipped a neat through ball for Mehta who burst into the box but had his effort thwarted by the onrushing Ralte in the 13th minute.
From the following throw-in, the ball came out to Taisuke whose shot was flicked into the back of the net by Josimar but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Two minutes later, Eugeneson Lyngdoh had a go from outside the box but Nidhin Lal made a smart save low to his right.
Bengaluru then created their best chance when Keegan Pereira played Sean Rooney in with a delightful pass. The Australian took it in his stride but Lal produced a terrific save to deny him in the 17th minute.
