ISL 2024-25: Mumbai City FC Fails to Secure Playoffs, Loses 0-1 to Kerala Blasters
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter, Kerala Blasters FC clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The defeat means Mumbai City FC will need to secure points against Bengaluru FC to have a shot at playoffs.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala Blasters FC secured a crucial victory.
- Mumbai City FC needs points to qualify for playoffs.
- Kwame Peprah scored the decisive goal.
- The match featured missed opportunities from both sides.
- First home win for Kerala since January.
Kochi, March 7 (NationPress) Kerala Blasters FC narrowly defeated Mumbai City FC with a score of 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season on Friday.
The Islanders, who are tied with Odisha FC at 33 points, required only a single point to secure a playoff spot. They will now aim for a top-six finish against Bengaluru FC on March 11.
The first half was uneventful as both teams neutralized each other in midfield. The second half saw Kwame Peprah score from a challenging angle, securing three points for the home side. This marked their first home victory since January 13, when they triumphed over Odisha FC 3-2.
The match began quite openly, with both teams vying for midfield dominance. The first real opportunity came in the 10th minute when Lallianzuala Chhangte attempted a daring shot from outside the box, striking the post and serving as a warning to the hosts.
Despite the early shock, Kerala Blasters FC pressed forward and nearly took the lead when Korou Singh delivered a precise cross to Ishan Pandita in the box, but the forward failed to connect from close range. Pandita was unmarked but could not position himself accurately to score. In the 17th minute, Milos Drincic had a similar chance from a free-kick. Adrian Luna sent the ball to Aibanbha Dohling, who crossed it into the box. Drincic's header was directly at Phurba Lachenpa, who made a fantastic save.
Kerala Blasters FC started the second half aggressively, and their efforts were rewarded when Peprah scored from a tight angle in the 52nd minute, leaving Thaer Krouma and Lachenpa stunned.
In the 60th minute, Brandon Fernandes found Vikram Partap Singh in the box with a superb free-kick, but the latter's header was well defended by the home team. A few minutes later, Peprah had a similar chance on the left side but missed the target.
The visitors came close to equalizing in the 74th minute when Brandon found Chhangte in space, but the Mumbai City FC skipper's attempt went just wide.
In the 77th minute, the hosts nearly doubled their lead when Mohammed Aimen evaded his marker on the left flank, driving into the box and forcing Lachenpa to make a challenging save. A rebound opportunity arose, but Krouma cleared it away.
The best chance for Mumbai City FC came during stoppage time when Vikram's goal-bound shot was cleared off the line by substitute Bikash Yumnam. With that near miss, the Islanders faced their sixth defeat of the season.
