Snehasis Mukherjee from YBK Stadium
Mumbai City FC put a full stop to Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s dream of winning a treble as they defeated the Green and Maroon Brigade 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in the ISL Final.
It was an unexpected nervy start from the home side as the visitors completely dominated. In the last league game, Vikram Partap Singh was not there and today, he showed what Mumbai missed.
The way Vikram made runs, put crosses into the boxes and linked up with Chhangte, MBSG defence faced sheer heat! Chhangte, as expected, was the best player and he was everywhere! Putting crosses, taking free-kicks, taking corners and even, he managed to be in several goalscoring positions in the box.
Mumbai were a bit unlucky as Chhangte hit the post twice, once with a free-kick on 30th minute and then, with a deflected strike on 39th minute. Petr Kratky’s men were so much dominant their goalkeeper, Phurba Lachenpa did not come into action till 40th minute.
On 41st minute, Mohun Bagan finally managed to penetrate the final third and had a strike, courtesy of Liston Colaco. However, the Mumba goalkeeper stretched to save it. Against the run of play, Dimi Petratos had a long ranger at the goal but Phurba failed to save it. The ball fell infront of Jason Cummings as he broke the deadlock calmly at the 44th minute with a chip.
For the Latest Sports News: Click Here
It didn’t took long for the Islanders to get the game back on level terms. On 53rd minute, Pereyra Diaz got a chance and beat Manvir to put the ball back of the net. After the equaliser, MCFC continued their press and got two back-to-back golden chances on 60th and 61st minute respectively to take a lead. On both occasions, they failed to convert, especially Rahul Bheke had a clear shot but off the target. On 69th minute, Sahal Abdul Samad came in for Anirudh Thapa!
On the other hand, Bipin Singh came in place for Noguera who looked in discomfort due to an Injury. However, Petr Kratky’s move did wonders as Bipin gave the visitors a 2-1 lead on 81st minute. Chhangte’s shot got blocked and then, Yakub passed the ball to Bipin who finished with composure. Bipin Singh scored the important second goal and broke the hearts of the Mariners as he did the same against Bagan in the 2020/21 ISL Final.
Vojtus scored the third goal in the additional time as the final whistle came and Mumbai City FC emerged victorious in front of 62000 fans.
Petr Kratky’s men are the ISL 2023/24 Cup Winners.
Also Read: Fortress Salt Lake: The Key to Mohun Bagan’s ISL Dominance under Habas