I-League Media Team
BENGALURU: Bengaluru FC failed to capitalize their domination against Mumbai FC, conceded a second half goal, finally salvaged their pride by Robin Singh’s late equalizer goal – the match ended in 1-1 draw.
Bengaluru gaffer Ashley Westwood deployed rotation today, which was understandable as his team was playing third game in the spate of eight days. He pitched Shankar in the starting eleven, also replaced a couple of players from the last match – Robin Singh and Lalchhuannmawia for Udanta Singh and Keegan Perreira respectively.
BFC dominated the proceedings all through the first half. Mumbai FC without midfielder Taisuke Matsuage lacked creativity in the midfield; lone striker Joshimar Da Silva rarely poised any threat in Bengaluru defense.
Bengaluru forced few set-pieces in quick succession, but couldn’t make anything out of it.40’ almost scored from a goalmouth melee, Mumbai’s packed defense cleared the ball to the corner. One more in the 45th minute from a Eugenson looping freekick.
Second half started in a similar fashion, forced a couple of corners in the first minute but with goal scoring no luck.
Much to everyone’s surprise, Mumbai FC took the lead in 69th minute via central defender Rahul Beke’s header from a corner.
Minutes later, it was the same Beke in action when he handled the ball just outside the outside the box, however, Bengaluru failed to score again.
Equalizer came from Robin Singh in the 88th minute, replacing Sunil Chhetri, he was at the right spot receiving Joshua Walker’s corner kick, which came to his way from John Johnson’s header.
Few minutes and hero Robin got eliminated from the game by receiving marching order from referee Ranjit Bakshi. The tall striker fouled Mumbai FC defender Chika Wali in their box.