Mumbai: Jamshedpur FC began their ISL-V campaign on a winning note as they defeated Mumbai City FC 2-0, courtesy goals by Spanish Mario Arques and Pablo Morgado in an enthralling contest, here Tuesday.
Mumbai had their share of bad luck, when they twice put the ball into the opposition net, but on both the occasions, it was ruled off-side. The home side also missed several opportunities to get back into the game.
Jamshedpur began on an attacking note, having a better ball possession. The visitors had a chance in the eighth minute to open account, but Arques failed to connect a cross from Jerry Mawihmingthanga.
But soon, Mumbai came into an attacking mode and created some chances. In the 15th minute, Souvik Chakrabarti tried to put in the ball into the box from the right, but hit it too close for Jamshedpur custodian Subasish Roy Chowdury to collect.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 28th minute when Arques’ header went into the right-corner of the goal to give Jamshedpur a 1-0 lead.
Mumbai created a few chances, but were unable to get the equaliser. Sloppy defending from Raju Gaikwad almost put Mumbai midfielder Modou Sougou through, but Tiri did well to cover up for the Indian defender and take the ball off him.
After the change of ends, the hosts had another great chance to equalise, but again faltered. Midfielder Sanju Pradhan put Brazilian Rafael Bastos through, but the striker took too long as Roy made a diving save.
Chances came thick and fast for Mumbai, but they were unable to convert even one. Jamshedpur made it 2-0 doubled their lead in the stoppage time. In a brilliant counter-attack, Sergio Cidoncha played to Morgado, who ran in and slotted the ball into the far corner of the goal.