MUMBAI — Mumbai
City FC defeated Hyderabad FC by 1-0 at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian
Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season on Saturday.
The Islanders returned to winning ways at home courtesy of a
solitary goal from Mehtab Singh as Petr Kratky’s men put the preceding defeat
against Punjab FC behind by securing their third win of the ongoing season.
With his assist, Chhangte became Mumbai City FC’s outright highest goal
contributor in ISL (36 - 21 goals and 15 assists), leaving behind Bipin Singh.
The hosts started the game with extra motivation, troubling
the Hyderabad FC penalty area with crosses and penetrations. The game's first
chance fell to Lallianzuala Chhangte, who dropped his shoulder and lost his
marker Parag Shrivas in the box before testing Lalbiakhlua Jongte with a
vicious left-footed effort. However, the Hyderabad FC goalkeeper was alert to
the danger as he parried the effort to safety.
The Islanders finally broke the deadlock in the 29th minute
when Mehtab Singh, who is ever dangerous from set-pieces made an exceptional
movement to head home a corner delivered by Chhangte. Mehtab lost his marker
brilliantly with his intricate movement and came up with a powerful header to
beat Jongte in goal.
Mumbai City FC’s celebrations were short lived as their
midfield maestro Toral limped off the field making way for Brandon Fernandes.
The Spaniard was struggling with an ankle injury and despite his best efforts
to play through the pain, Toral simply couldn’t continue. Therefore Petr Kratky
decided to deploy Brandon in the absence of Yoell Van Nieff and Jeremy Manzorro
on the bench.
Ramhlunchhunga looked like the player who could get on the
scoresheet for the visitors. The youngster with his darting runs troubled the
Mumbai City FC defenders. He also unleashed a vicious long range effort,
forcing Lachenpa to be at his best to deny him the goal.
In the 62nd minute, Thangboi Singto turned to Edmilson
Correia, replacing Paulista, who failed to make much impact in the game.
Whereas, Kratky also freshened things up by bringing on Franklin Nazareth and
Bipin Singh. A few minutes later, a knock to Nikolaos Karelis meant that Kratky
had to turn to Sanjeev Stalin with the aim of closing out the game.
Despite their best efforts in the entirety of the second
period, Hyderabad FC failed to find the equaliser. They controlled possession
in periods but overall, they lacked quality in the final third which saw
Singto’s men succumb to their sixth defeat this season in nine games.
