MUMBAI: Mumbai City FC wrapped up a breathtaking 4-2 win against Kerala Blasters FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday, November 3, 2024, to record their second victory of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season.
Late goals from Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) graduate Nathan Rodrigues and skipper Lallianzuala Chhangte ensured that the Islanders broke through and secured three points to round off a hard-fought triumph.
Striker Nikolaos Karelis bagged a brace for the Petr Kratky-coached side, netting once in either half. His pinpoint accuracy from close range was visible when he tapped in a pass by Chhangte in the ninth minute. In the 55th minute, he doubled the lead by converting a spot kick.
But the visitors clawed back immediately – thanks to forward Kwame Peprah drawing a foul inside the 18-yard box. Jesus Jimenez converted from the penalty kick in the 57th minute to reduce the margin.
Peprah was central in securing the equaliser also in the 71st minute when he powerfully headed in. Peprah was sent off just afterward though, bringing Kerala Blasters FC down to 10 men – opening the floodgates of a Mumbai City FC comeback.
Four minutes later, Mumbai City FC earned a corner and Brandon Fernandes’ delivery was not cleared properly by the visitors’ backline. The ball landed at the feet of Nathan, who drilled the ball into the bottom left corner.
At the 90 minute mark, the Islanders were handed a reprieve as Vibin Mohanan’s foul inside the box gave them another spot-kick. Chhangte converted the penalty with a left-footed shot to the bottom right corner.
Nikolaos Karelis of Mumbai City FC was named the Player oof the Match. Mumbai City FC will play their next match against Chennaiyin FC on November 9, whereas Kerala Blasters FC will face Hyderabad FC on November 7.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie shines as NorthEast United FC sink Odisha
GUWAHATI: NorthEast United FC defeated Odisha FC 3-2 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.
A brilliant brace from Key Player of the Match Alaaeddine Ajaraie and a goal by Guillermo Fernandez off the bench was enough for NorthEast United FC to bag all three points against a gritty Odisha FC side. Hugo Boumous and Diego Mauricio found the net for the visitors.
The hosts took the lead when Ajaraie combined with Parthib Gogoi and pulled the trigger from a distance after taking a couple of touches, beating Amrinder Singh all ends in the 12th minute.
Ajaraie eventually completed his brace when Mohammed Bemammer won possession in midfield and squared it to Jithin in space. He took a couple of touches before spraying it for Ajaraie in space on the left. With only Amrinder left to beat, the Moroccan made no mistake in doubling the lead in the 40th minute.
Odisha FC pulled a goal back in the 60th minute when two of their substitutes - Gama and Hugo Boumous combined to break down the Highlanders’ defence. Gama treaded a brilliant through ball towards Boumous, who dribbled past a couple of defenders before slotting it past Gurmeet Singh.
However, the game changed completely when substitute Guillermo Fernandez slotted home the third goal from Ajaraie's crossing in the 71st minute.
The last 10 minutes of the game saw Odisha FC throw the bodies forward and they deservedly pulled a goal back through Mauricio’s exceptional free kick in the 83rd minute.
(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)
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