MUMBAI, INDIA: An own goal from Pritam Kotal was enough for Mumbai City to beat Chennaiyin FC 1-0 in their maiden encounter of the ongoing Indian Super League at the Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday, February 19. The Islanders, interestingly, had just 39% possession at the final whistle, but were able to dictate terms to their opponents.
Manager Petr Kratky emphasised driving up with the ball from the first minute, and did not mind if his side traded possession for good positioning on the pitch. The first half ended goalless, but the hosts scored one just four minutes into the second.
Brandon Fernandes set Joni Kauko up roughly ten yards outside the box. The latter then sent in a teasing lobbed ball towards the Chennaiyin goal aimed at Jorge Ortiz. Kotal – ostensibly guarding the visiting side’s net – tried to dive and head the aerial ball away, but only managed to put it into his own net.
Goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa starred for Mumbai City
His teammates looked on in dismay even as the Islanders celebrated their rare good fortune. Both sides ended with the same number of shots – 12 – but it was solely due to Kotal’s bad luck that Mumbai City managed to pick up all three points. Alongside having 61% of the possession, Chennaiyin also ended with an impressive xG coefficient of 0.65, much higher than Mumbai City’s 0.58.
It was the home team’s goalkeeper, Phurba Lachenpa, who stood out by making three critical saves. For the visitors, Mohammed Bemammer stood out. The Moroccan midfielder won the most duels (10) and also created the most chances (3) in the match. The Islanders next travel to take on Kerala Blasters on February 22, while Chennaiyin play away at Mohun Bagan a day later.
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