Pune: Mumbai City FC made a winning start to this edition of the Indian Super League with 1-0 narrow win over FC Pune City in the pulsating Maharashtra Derby clash here on Monday. Argentinian midfielder Matias Defederico scored the winner in the second half from a masterful assist from Diego Forlan.
Pune City had their marquee player Mohamed Sissoko - former Liverpool and Juventus star - and coach Antonio Habas, who is under a four-match ban, watching from stands.
Mumbai City went ahead after the break when their persistence was rewarded as Defederico opened their account in the 69th minute. The 2010 Fifa World Cup golden boot winner Forlan showed his class with a neat side assist for Defederico on a volleyed cross from Rahul Beke to catch goalkeeper Edel Bete unawares.
Bete had eyes glued on Forlan but instead it went to Defederico and the Argentine slotted it in the far corner with his powerful left foot.
