Shillong: Mumbai City FC secured a dominant 2-0 victory over NorthEast United FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Meghalaya, on Friday, handing the Highlanders their first defeat after a run of eight winless games.
The win lifted Mumbai City to fourth place in the standings with 31 points.
NorthEast United started strong, with Macarton Nickson and Alaaeddine Ajaraie creating an early opportunity.
Nickson capitalised on a hurried clearance from Mumbai’s defense, sending in a cross for Ajaraie, whose header sailed over the bar in the eighth minute.
Ajaraie threatened again five minutes later, but his shot from a well-placed position went wide.
Despite continued pressure from NorthEast United, including a fast counter-attack in the 26th minute, the visitors’ defense held firm.
Ajaraie’s follow-up shot was narrowly off target, and a subsequent chance for Nestor Albiach was easily saved by Mumbai keeper Phurba Lachenpa.
In contrast, Mumbai City FC made the most of their chances, breaking the deadlock in the 41st minute.
Brandon Fernandes, receiving a pass from Lallianzuala Chhangte on the right, delivered a brilliant cross that found Bipin Singh, who powered a header into the top corner to give Mumbai the lead.
The second half saw continued pressure from both sides. Chhangte set up Hmingthanmawia Ralte for a chance in the 47th minute, but the shot was straight into the hands of NorthEast United keeper.
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Moments later, a corner kick from Buanthanglun Samte found Nickson, whose shot was blocked by a packed Mumbai defense.
Despite NorthEast United’s 17 shots compared to Mumbai’s five, it was the Islanders who showed greater composure in front of goal.
In added time, a rapid counter-attack sealed the victory for Mumbai City FC.
Tiri played a perfect pass to Chhangte, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to cap off a convincing 2-0 win.
The result marked a significant turnaround for Mumbai City FC, who delivered a clinical performance to take all three points and move closer to the top of the table.
