In an intense battle at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Mumbai City FC showcased their prowess against Chennaiyin FC, securing a commanding 2-0 victory in the Indian Super League 2023-24 clash. The match, marked by strategic plays and missed opportunities, unfolded with Mumbai City FC’s substitute, Bipin Singh, emerging as the hero of the night with a decisive brace.
The game kicked off with both teams eager to make an impact. In the 5th minute, Mumbai City FC initiated an offensive play, with Vikram Partap Singh’s header from the center of the box going high and wide, narrowly missing the target. Rahul Bheke’s cross set the stage for the early attempt.
Chennaiyin FC responded swiftly in the 6th minute, with Rahim Ali launching a left-footed shot from the left side of the box. Despite a promising effort following a fast break orchestrated by Farukh Choudhary, the shot missed to the left.
The 15th minute witnessed a long-range attempt from Thaer Krouma of Mumbai City FC, showcasing the team’s attacking intent. However, the shot from more than 35 yards was skillfully saved in the center of the goal, denying Mumbai City FC an early lead.
Both teams continued to create scoring opportunities, with Rafael Crivellaro of Chennaiyin FC attempting a left-footed shot from outside the box in the 16th minute. The shot was saved in the center of the goal, assisted by Rahim Ali.
As the first half unfolded, Mumbai City FC’s Yoëll van Nieff tried to capitalize on a direct free kick in the 25th minute. His left-footed shot from outside the box narrowly missed the top right corner, adding to the suspense of the encounter.
The intensity continued in the 34th minute, as Vikram Partap Singh’s header from a difficult angle on the left was saved in the top left corner. Lallianzuala Chhangte’s cross posed a threat, but Chennaiyin FC’s defense held firm.
The first half concluded with both teams locked in a goalless stalemate, setting the stage for an intriguing second half.
The 46th minute saw Vikram Partap Singh attempting a right-footed shot from outside the box, which sailed too high, missing the target. Lallianzuala Chhangte’s involvement in the attacking play highlighted Mumbai City FC’s relentless pursuit of a breakthrough.
In the 52nd minute, Vikram Partap Singh once again tested the Chennaiyin FC defense with a right-footed shot from the left side of the box. The shot was saved in the bottom right corner, courtesy of Jayesh Rane’s assist.
The turning point of the match came in the 53rd minute when Thaer Krouma drew a foul in the penalty area, earning Mumbai City FC a penalty. Lallianzuala Chhangte stepped up for the duties but, unfortunately, launched a left-footed shot just a bit too high, missing the golden opportunity.
With the match hanging in the balance, Mumbai City FC introduced Bipin Singh as a substitute in the final 20 minutes. The winger made an instant impact, initiating a solo effort from the left side of the box in the 71st minute. The ball found its way past Chennaiyin FC’s goalkeeper Debjit Majumder, breaking the deadlock and opening the scoring.
Bipin Singh continued to exploit the spaces left vacant by Chennaiyin FC in the back, hitting strongly on the counter. As the game entered added time in the second half (90’+1′), he received a pass from the Spanish recruit Iker Guarrotxena on the move. Bipin Singh drilled the ball into the bottom right corner, sealing the game in Mumbai City FC’s favor with a 2-0 lead.
The second half concluded with Mumbai City FC securing a well-deserved victory, propelled by Bipin Singh’s exceptional performance. The win elevated Mumbai City FC to equal points with table-toppers Odisha FC, with both teams boasting 31 points each. However, Odisha FC retained the first-place position due to their superior goal difference.
As the league progresses, Mumbai City FC looks ahead to their next challenge against Jamshedpur, while Chennaiyin FC aims to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming clash against Kerala Blasters FC.
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