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Mumbai: Mumbai FC’s dismal run continued. The Mumbai club paid for poor defending and suffered their third defeat on the trot, losing 2-3 to Pune FC in the first Maharashtra Derby clash of the Hero I-League at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi on Sunday evening. Playwin is the official sponsor of Mumbai FC.
Searching for their first point, Mumbai FC after showing early promise went on to lose their way and finished on the losing side. In the 8thminute Pune FC took the lead when Luciano Sarbosa capitalised on a defensive lapse to unleash a right-footer which took a deflection off Ashutosh Mehta and into the goal. Mumbai FC quickly regrouped and restored parity four minutes later through their Brazilain striker Josimar who tapped in the rebound after the first attempt by Milagres Gonsalves came back off a defenders’ leg.
Thereafter, there was more of midfield action before Pune FC’s Darko Nikac was left unmarked at the far post and he coolly headed home Edgar Marcelinio’s cormer from the left in the 31st minute to give the home team the lead for the second time, which they carried till the end of the first half.
After the restart, Mumbai FC tried to apply pressure on the rival goal but without success and later were dealt a body blow as skipper Climax Lawrence sustained an injury and had to be replaced by Reisangmi Vashum in the 58th minute.
In the 85th minute, Pune FC capitalised on another defensive error to increase the lead. The Mumbai FC defenders failed to stop substitute Nikhil Kadam’s cross from the left reach R. Seouka whose tap went in off a defender.
Later, Mumbai FC goalkeeper Nidhinlal did well to make a couple of saves to deny Pune from adding to their tally before substitute Mohammed Rafi’s header found the mark in the 89th minute. However, in the remaining 4 minutes of additional period the Mumbai team could not find the third goal, which would have earned them a point.
Result:
Pune FC 3-2 Mumbai FC
- Pune FC goalscorers: L Sarbosa 8’, D Nikac 31’, R. Seouka 85’
- Mumbai FC goalscorers: Josimar 12’, M Rafi 89’
