Kochi, Jan 15 (IANS) A solitary goal from Christopher Chizoba helped Mohun Bagan beat Mumbai FC 1-0 in the opening Group-C encounter of the 35th Federation Cup at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here Wednesday.
Chizoba’s 27th minute strike was the only difference between the two teams.
Mumbai FC did all the early attacking and pushed Mohun Bagan in the defensive.
However, the first real chance to take the lead fell to Mohun Bagan midfielder Yusa Katsumi. Moving quickly down the left Katsumi’s shot was parried onto the post by Mumbai goalkeeper Nidhin Lal.
Chizoba made the breakthrough, beating the off-side trap the Nigerian latched on to a cross from Katsumi, before following up the space ahead with a volley to beat the Mumbai FC custodian.
The goal pushed Mumbai FC back and what unfolded was a midfield battle for possession with no out-and-out chances created by either side.
Changing ends, Mumbai FC brought on Henry Ezeh (for Rahul Bheke).
Nigerian striker had a spate of chances and put tremendous pressure on Mohun Bagan defenders but Mumbai FC saw no end product and the score remained 1-0 in favour of the Kolkata outfit.
