Mumbai City FC’s dream for a first away victory was snatched away by a late equalizer from Robin Singh, along with a distinct blow to their chances for a spot in the semi-finals of the Hero Indian Super League.
Delhi Dynamos Robin Singh dashed the hopes of a Mumbai City FC’s first ever away victory with a late goal, before joining up for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Guam.
Both teams made a host of changes in hopes of all three points, but ended up being a cagey tactical match on display with both teams happy to share a point. Delhi Dynamos, who made three changes ahead of the match, saw Adil Nabi making his first start in place of the India International Robin Singh. Souvik Chakrobarty made his returns after serving his one match suspension, while youngster Seminlen Doungel also found himself starting the match.
Mumbai City FC, meanwhile, made five changes with Nicolas Anelka returning to the bench after starting against Atletico de Kolkata. Juan Aguilera, Pavel Cmovs, Subash Singh and Ashutosh Mehta saw them rotated to the bench, as Frederic Piquionne, Selim Benachour, Cristian Bustos, Sampath Kuttymani and Kingshuk Debnath were given a start.
The match despite all noises in the pre-match press conferences, had a cagey opening quarter of the game with neither being adventurous to enough to create any real trouble for his opponent.
Mumbai City FCa s star forward Frederic Piquionne had the first clear cut opportunity on the 10th minute but was easily saved by Toni Doblas.
Sony Norde had a glorious chance to break the deadlock on the 24th minute after his through ball put Frederic Piquionne clear, but was caught unaware for the pull back from the Frenchman as he blasted the shot high and wide.
Delhi Dynamos then had a nice little spell on the ball that saw them asking quite a few questions but the Mumbai City FC defence held firm.
Second half started at an electric pace with both teams provided the chance to alter the score in favour of them. Delhi Dynamosa youngster Seminlen found himself on the clear on the 47th minute after playing a beautiful one two but could only produce a weak shot straight at Subrata Paul. A minute later Doblas stood in between Mumbai City taking the lead as he made a brilliant save to deny Chhetri, who trapped the ball beautifully inside the box and then jinxed past the defender to unleash the shot.
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Mumbai City had to wait till the 70th minute to break the deadlock, as Piquionne rounds the goalkeeper and slots it into the empty net after a glorious through ball by Selim Benachour. Delhi Dynamos, who had made two substitutions just before the goal, had their rhythm disturbed with the substitutions as they conceded with a sour taste with an hint of offside.
Robin Singh, who came on as one of the substitution before conceding the goal, soon tried to make amends for being dropped to the bench with a thumping header on the 79th minute but Paul did just enough to tip the ball off for a corner. The Lions were presented with a host of chances to equalise but left it late to pull off a morale boosting draw.
Robin Singh made no mistake on the 94th minute to finish brilliantly, after Florent Maloudaa s delivery from the freekick was nodded on to him by Lalchhuanmawia Fanai.
Image Courtesy: ISL Media