GUWAHATI, Nov 5: Mumbai City FC condemned NorthEast United FC to their third consecutive defeat at home after registering a 1-0 result in Hero Indian Super League at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, here on Saturday.
Mumbai City FC relied on an opportunistic 45th minute goal from Jackichand Singh to notch a solitary goal victory that helped them regain their top spot. Mumbai City now have 15 points from nine matches, two more than Delhi Dynamos who have a match in hand.
NorthEast United continue to be beyond the play-off spot after being left with 10 points from their eight matches played so far. Crucially, NorthEast United have lost their last three matches, all played at home in front of a packed stadium.
The hosts looked determined to wipe off bitter memories from their last two games. They were methodical in the first session but fell behind at the worst possible time due to a lapse from Brazilian goalkeeper Wellington de Lima Gomes in the 45th minute. The Brazilian appeared to be in control of a back pass when he dodged Sony Norde but the Brazilian was too overconfident with the ball in a dangerous position even as Norde raced from behind, snatched the ball and played it for Jackichand who only had to tap it inside an empty goal.
The setback just before the half-time whistle upset NorthEast�s rhythm and they could not stage a comeback in the second session.
It was a different story in the opening 45 minutes when NorthEast United pressed hard for the advantage. Katsumi Yusa and Emiliano Alfaro were both combining well upfront and creating problems for the rival defenders. The two combined well in the 20th minute to create an opportunity for Holicharan Narzary but the local lad kicked the turf instead of the ball when he was in an encouraging position to score. � Agencies
