ISL: NorthEast United climb to second spot after beating Mumbai City FC

 

Strikes from Kondwani Mtonga and Felipe de Castro set up Northeast FC’s victory, and they now have seven points from four games, giving them second place on the points table. The Guwahati-based team trail Atletico de Kolkata by three points, while Chennaiyin FC are third with six points from two matches.

 

On the day, Mumbai dominated the first half but the visitors emerged stronger in the second. Home team coach Peter Reid gambled with his icon player, throwing a part-fit Freddie Ljundberg into the fray but the move backfired with the former Swedish international limping off even as his team slid towards a second defeat in three matches.

 

Zambian international Mtonga put NorthEast FC ahead in the 57th minute with Koke setting up the goal off a sweeping attack that stretched the Mumbai defence. The strike left the hosts on the back foot after a goal-less opening half, and worse was to follow.