Mohun Bagan was forced to split points by Mumbai FC in a defence-oriented away game in the Hero I-League 2016 at the Cooperage stadium. The goalless draw put the defending champion in third place, with 11 points after five games and behind Bengaluru FC and East Bengal. The home team, aided by an outstanding show from goalkeeper Pawan Kumar, has nine points after six outings.
Handicapped by the absence of attacking midfielder Taisuke Matsugae (injury) and winger Jayesh Rane (on India duty at South Asian Games), Mumbai executed coach Khalid Jamil’s ploy of denying Bagan’s fearsome strikers Sony Norde, Glen Cornell a clear look at the goal. Katsumi Yusa got the best chance, but could not beat Pawan.
Mumbai’s corner kick was cleared by Bagan’s defence and the ball was floated away from danger. Norde latched on to the ball, outpaced his rival, turned around and laid a precise pass diagonally into space for Katsumi to trap, get into balance and shoot but could not get it past custodian Pawan.
Mumbai’s collective effort gained it a point against a side of Bagan’s calibre. Pawan capped a solid work by the backline with two saves and punched away the third.
Kozuwa on Mumbai’s right flank got past his marker with a neat twist, only to be pulled down at the expense of a free-kick. Sushil’s snap attempt with his left saw Bagan custodian Debjit move into action. Pratik got a yellow for fouling Cornell.
Pawan rescued his team with a dive at full stretch, keeping out a stunning low drive by Bikramjit off a stray ball. The Mumbai goalkeeper again pulled off a composed collection when Norde tried to curl in a free-kick.
