Federation Cup 2014-15: Mumbai FC beat Sporting Goa 1-0 to keep their semis hopes alive

Mumbai FC in action against Sporting Goa

Mumbai scored an important victory to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Federation Cup semifinals alive. A solitary goal from the number 9 - Sampath Kutty Mani - was enough to seal the win for the Mumbai side.

Mumbai started the game all guns blazing as some good play between Jayesh Rane and Rafi created their first chance. Jayesh was put through by Rafi on the right flank whose cross found Taisuke but the header was just wide.

Both teams were approaching the game cautiously but in a few minutes the Mumbai Captain – Climax Lawrence – found some space to shoot from long range but the ball went just over the crossbar.

The biggest threat from the Sporting Goa side was Mauvin Borges who constantly bothered the defence of Mumbai FC. A few shots from Borges were well saved by Mumbai Goalkeeper - Kunal Sawant – during the game.

The pick of the battles was between Mumbai’s Brazilian forward – Josimar and Sporting’s defender Kofi Dankwae.

The goal came in injury time as Climax Lawrence’s corner was blocked by the Sporting keeper only as far as Sampath Kutty Mani who simply had to head in the rebound to make it one-nil for Mumbai.

The second half saw both teams rallying to get a goal as Mumbai looked to increase their lead while Sporting Goa searched for an equaliser. The game ended with a couple of chances falling to Mumbai but they were well dealt with the Sporting defence.

At Full Time: Mumbai FC (Kutty Mani 45+2’) 1-0 Sporting Clube de Goa

Starting Line-upsMumbai FC: Sawant (GK), Chika Wali, Justin Stephen, Ashutosh Mehta, Climax Lawrence (C), Kuttymani, Josimar, Taisuke Matsugae, Mohammed Rafi (64’ Dane Pereira), Rahul Bheke, Jayesh Rane

Sporting Goa: Ravi (gk), Kalu, Wolfe, Jovel, Mauvin, Passi, Cajetan, Rowllin, Clemente, Joyner, Dankwae