Pune: Mumbai FC logged their first Maha-Derby win away from home defeating Pune FC 2-1 in an I-League Round 13 encounter Balewadi Sports Complex, in Pune on Saturday.
A goal in each half from midfielder N.P. Pradeep (12th minute) and striker Yusif Yakubu (60th) saw Mumbai FC get all three points. Medio Arata Izumi (41st), however equalised for the hosts in the first half.
With a second consecutive win Mumbai FC are now in ninth place with 14 points while hosts Pune FC (19th) slipped down to third.
After going close in the first ten minutes, Mumbai FC took the lead. Winger Nicholas Rodrigues’ low ball from the left beat the Pune FC defense as Pradeep tapped home on a slide at the far post to score in the second consecutive game.
At the other end, the hosts went close. Winger James Meyer’s ambitious effort from 35-yards out on the right ended up in the side-netting.
Both sides created chances at either end, but it was Pune FC who went close once again. Meyer held on to the ball inside the box before finding medio Fanai Lalrempuia who floated the ball in for striker Riga Mustapha. The striker’s acrobatic shot was saved by keeper Nidhin Lal.
The hosts equalised in the final five minutes of the half. Douhou Pierre was allowed to run clear inside the half as he beat six defenders before finding Arata inside the box. The India-international controlled and scored past the keeper.
Both sides went into the break tied at 1-1.
Mumbai FC once again went close twelve minutes after restart. Haroon Amiri capitalised and created space on the edge of the box, before seeing his left-footed effort being saved by keeper Amrinder Singh.
At the hour mark, Mumbai FC took the lead. Yakubu scored a stunning volley from the edge of the box on Rodrigues’ inch perfect cross.
The hosts kept pressing for their second equaliser. However Mumbai FC held on for their second successive win at the Balewadi Stadium.
Man of the Match: Yusif Yakubu (MFC).
