Federation Cup: Wahingdoh stun Mumbai

MARGAO: Jackichand Singh may well be the next big football star from the northeast. At Fatorda's Nehru Stadium on Sunday, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder from Manipur scored a brace to fashion a fully-deserved 2-1 win for the Shillong-based side against Mumbai FC in their Federation Cup opener.
Jackichand first caught the eye when he played a key role in Royal Wahingdoh's promotion back to the I-League premier division earlier this season, emerging top-scorer in the qualifiers and also scoring the crucial goal against Bhawanipore FC in the final.Moulded in the style of his idol and Manipur star Rennedy Singh, Jackichand caught the Mumbai FC backline off guard time and again with his spectacular speed. In Liberian teammate Bekay Bawar, he found the perfect match to hunt the rival box in pair. In the 34th minute, Bawar provided a low cross for the Manipuri to tap home from close. After the change of ends, Jackichand, who is fondly called Jackey, provided another finish to the Liberian's cross in a carbon copy of the first goal in the 59th minute.
Former United SC and Mohammedan Sporting striker Joshimar reduced the margin for Mumbai FC in the 71st minute. It never looked enough to change the script in their favour.
Yet, Khalid Jamil's side looked the better side in the initial minutes of the contest and had a couple of chances in the first half. Japanese playmaker Taisuke Matsugae, who played for Wahindoh's city rivals Lajong FC earlier, saw one of his free-kicks ricochet off the cross piece while Amoes, set up by Reisangmei Vashum with an open goal in front of him, failed to find the target from inside the box.
Mumbai FC were left rueing those misses as Jackichand announced his arrival in style and delivered the decisive blow on either side of half-time, which killed any hope Mumbai FC may have had of a revival.