Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC broke the Mumbai FC jinx finally at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, having triumphed over the yellow outfit by the late winner from the prodigy Daniel Lalhlimpuia in the 82nd minute.
To add more vigour in the attacking half, Eugeneson Lyngdoh made a comeback after staying out for more than 2 months from his injury but Captain Sunil Chhetri had to sit out for his prolonged injury.
Bengaluru FC pressed hard and earned their first corner in the first minute itself, followed by a couple in the next 10 minutes. However, none found the back of the net.
For Mumbai FC, medio Eric Brown was controlling the middle, something that Bengaluru was missing most of the time in the first half. Few positive attacking moves from Bengaluru FC centered on Kim Song kept the Mumbai FC keeper busy who came out from the 18-yard box quite a few times to thwart the Bengaluru FC attacking moves.
In the 30th minute Pawan Kumar, who turned for Bengaluru until few seasons ago came out of the charge chasing the ball, collided with rushing Kim Song, and conceded a free kick from the good position. Eugene's low trajectory kick was timely rescued by Mumbai FC defense.
CK Vineeth made some valiant runs but eventually lacked the final touch. Half-time ended in a goalless stalemate.
Post the lemon break, Osano tripped Taisuke Matsugae from behind, which earned a free kick at the top of the box and a caution from the referee. Eric Brown’s kick did not do any good for his team.
The frustration for the Steelmen went on for a few more minutes. Another chance went begging for Bengaluru as the combination of Seiminlen Doungel and Vineeth could not break the deadlock from the melee.
Finally, Ashley Westwood opted to go for quick changes, which provided in the elusive goal. An onrushing Udanta Singh scooped the ball inside the box for Vineeth, Mumbai FC keeper made a horrific mistake by letting the ball go and Vineeth quickly steered the ball for Daniel, who calmly tapped the ball to the back of the net.
Bengaluru FC, with much composure, saw off the final minutes as Mumbai FC lacked the penetration in the attacking half.
However, with the win, Bengaluru FC leapfrogged Kingfisher East Bengal to the second spot in the league table with 25 points. Bengaluru FC have started sensing the title with Mohun Bagan going down to their arch rivals Kingfisher East Bengal in the other match. Either of the two Kolkata outfits and Bengaluru FC, who are separated by only 2 points among them, can lift the coveted silverware at the end of the Hero I-League season.
