Another Stalemate As Mumbai & Sporting Can't Break The Deadlock

15-Nov-2009


Sporting Clube de Goa and Mumbai FC played out a goalless draw at the Cooperage on Sunday, in an extremely drab encounter that failed to create much. The hosts have been in good form of late, with wins against Mohun Bagan and JCT, but couldn't force the pace on the day. Sporting, on the other hand, are still without a win, after seven games in the first phase. However, they move up to 13th, above Viva Kerala on goal difference, while Mumbai FC remain 8th.

Mumbai FC started with Bernard Achaw and Evans Quao at the heart of the defence in the absence of Anas E while Sporting's Chinta Chandrashekhar made his first appearance in this season's I-League.

Both teams remained cautious in their approach and took time to get their rhythm. Mispasses was the trend and neither team could seize the initiative to get an advantage over the other. 

The first chance befell Abhishek Yadav's who went for a spectacular shot after receiving a perfect cross from Subhash Chakraborty from inside the box in the 17th minute.

Three minutes later, Bibiano Fernandes who began to stamp his authority in the middle with deft touches crossed for Amos who couldn't direct his header under pressure from Quao. Chinta Chandrashekhar must have given his side the lead but his free header from Amos's cross went over.

Thereafter the play once again slowed down and with no creativity shown by any team.

The second half started on a lively note with Rovan Pereira making a few good runs from the left and on an occasion found Amos insdie the box but the striker left the ball hoping that one of his team-mates was around.

The 55th minute saw Lihaz Koya produce a brilliant save as he punched Michael Tayo's long range effort for a corner after some brillaint movement between Bisheshwor, Amos and Samananda. From the resulting flag-kick, Samananda's free header went over.

Mumbai FC's Kayne Vincent brought in some life into the game after Abhishek Yadav flicked it for him as his left footer shot came off the horizontal in the 67th minute.

Both coaches brought in fresh legs but the changes too weren't effective as it failed to turn the colour of the game which dimmed as the time ticked.

Luis Barretto did enough to deny Evans Quao header from a Noel Wilson cross from the right a few minutes before the regulation time, and that was the last of the action, as both teams picked up a point from the second consecutive goalless draw in the I-League.

Rahul Bali

Source: Goal.com

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Added by: Anselm Pio Noronha