CHENNAI: Bipin Singh netted a match-winning brace as Mumbai City rode their luck at times to record a crucial 2-0 win over Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Friday. After opening the scoring in the 71st minute, Bipin sealed the deal in the first minute of stoppage time for Mumbai, who picked up their third straight victory.
The Islanders moved to second on the table and are tied on points - 31 - with table toppers Odisha in the race to the League Winners Shield. Chennaiyin are ninth with 15 points. CFC started the game by playing high-pressing football. Rafael Crivellaro combined well with forward Rahim Ali to win possession in the midfield. However, the hosts were guilty of not taking their chances.
Their first opportunity came in the 15th minute when Crivellaro used the space offered by Mumbai' s defence in the 18-yard box. But his thumping left-footed shot was thwarted by Mumbai custodian Phurba Lachenpa.
Soon, right winger Ninthoi intercepted Rahul Bheke's lazy pass and made a dashing run but Lachenpa once again came to Mumbai' s rescue. Towards the end of the first half, CFC could have taken the lead through Farukh Choudhary but Akash Mishra rescued the visitors with a goal-line clearance. Choudhary chipped the ball over a diving Lachenpa, but he was unlucky as Mishra got there in time to head over. After soaking in the pressure, Mumbai settled down and emerged as the better side in the second period. Centreback Thaer Krouma drew a foul from Lazar Cirkovic inside the area with a mazy run and referee Rahul Gupta did not hesitate to point to the spot. But former Chennaiyin forward Lallianzuala Chhangte struck his penalty over the bar.
Krouma once again created a chance and delivered a cross which evaded CFC central defender Ryan Edwards. Substitute Bipin, who was stationed behind Edwards, placed the ball to the left of goalkeeper Debjit Majumdar and found the back of the net.
In stoppage time, Bipin doubled the advantage after scoring a goal with his weaker foot.
