Mumbai, May 2 (IANS) A late equaliser by Dhanachandra Singh saved the day for Mohun Bagan as home side Mumbai FC held the table table toppers 1-1 in the 20th round of I-League match at the Cooperage ground here on Saturday.
With a draw, Mumbai FC climb one place above from eighth spot to seventh with 17 points from 17 games, while Bagan is in pole position with 32 points from 15 games.
The hosts were put ahead by Reisangmei Vashum in the 49th minute but Bagan scored the equaliser in the 76th minute.
The first half saw couple of aimless shots not yielding proper results for either side. But from the start of second half, both teams looked to go ahead with a couple of aggressive tackles and shots.
Four minutes into the second half, the hosts made the most of the opportunity as Jayesh Rane’s shot was smoothly headed into the goal by Vashum.
Mumbai after going ahead, got a couple of chances to double the scoring were foiled by good defending by Bagan.
The visitors finally were rewarded in the 76th minute for pressing hard at the opponent box for long.
Sony Norde’s flag-kick took a deflection to Dhanchandra unmarked at the far post. He trapped and shot to the roof of the net to put Bagan on level terms.
Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen gave full credit to the Mumbai club.
“Mumbai FC played well and deserved the point. They took the lead but we dominated thereafter and got the equaliser and could have scored more goals. But full credit to the home side,” he said at the post match press conference.
Mumbai FC manager Henry Picardo admitted that he is both satisfied and disappointed with the outcome of the match.
“I am satisfied with a draw and the point. But at the same time I’m disappointed as I think we deserved a win and almost achieved our objective,” he said.