by
Mumbai FC came back from two goals down to beat Sporting Clube de Goa 3-2 in an I-League Round 5 encounter at the Balewadi Sports Complex to register their first win of the campaign.
Sporting took a two goal lead inside twenty minutes through Obiora Anorue (13th) and Dawson Fernandes (18th). The home side pulled back two goals through Gabriel Fernandes (26th) and Justin Stephen (45+2nd) to go into the breather on level terms.
Mumbai FC skipper Haroon Amiri scored right at the death to send the home fans into a frenzy and celebrate the team’s first points in the I-League 2012-13 season.
The visitors went ahead through Obiora Anorue around the quarter hour mark. With defenders Amiri and Faizal Rehman beaten Obiora did well to lob the ball over the on rushing keeper to open scoring.
Five minutes later, Mumbai FC were once again punished for some poor defending. This time, striker Dawson Fernandes capitalized with a chip from top of the box on the right to the far post.
Thereafter Mumbai FC came out strongly putting attacks together. Their persistence paid off as Gabriel Frenandes pulled one back for the Mumbaikars.
Striker Yusif Yakubu, while chasing a long ball, put Sporting ‘keeper Gerard D’Mello under pressure. The custodian collected the ball in the air with a dive but failed to keep it in his hands as he landed on the ground. Gabriel slotted the stray ball home with much ease.
Mumbai FC equalised deep into first-half injury time. Justin Stephen headed home from a Nicholas Rodrigues corner to lift up the home side.
Midway through the second half, Sporting were reduced to 10-men after Mathew Gonsalves was shown a direct red. The defender was given his marching orders after he brought down Amiri with a hard tackle.
Mumbai FC made their one-man advantage count as they took the lead in the dying moments. Skipper Haroon Amiri beat the offside trap to chest and control a long ball from Subhas Chakraborty inside the box. The Afghan kept his cool as he slotted past Sporting ‘keeper to give Mumbai FC their first win in the I-League.
