Mumbai: Mumbai City FC and marquee player Diego Forlan made a winning start to their home campaign in the 2016 Indian Super League (ISL) as they beat NorthEast United FC 1-0 at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Friday.
The Urugyuan striker slotted home the solitary goal of the game in the 55th minute to handover the second win in as any games to Mumbai.
This was NorthEast's first loss of the season after they won both of their opening two games.
NorthEast coach Nelo Vingada made three changes to his team as his team played their third game in a week time. Seityasen Singh, Nicolás Vélez and marquee player Didier Zokora were drafted into the side. On the other hand, Mumbai coach Alexandre Borges fielded an unchanged side which overcame FC Pune City in their season opener.
Mumbai started the game on the back-foot as they allowed the visitors to dictate the proceedings. Romaric struck the first shot on the goal of the game in the 15th minute with a left footed volley, which was saved comfortably by Mumbai goalkeeper Roberto.
Mumbai grew into the game after the first 20-25 minutes; Aiborlang Khongjee took the first shot on goal for them in the 19th minute, which induced a diving save from Subrata Paul.
NorthEast midfielder Katsumi Yusa wasted a glorious opportunity in 40th minute as he blasted his shot over the goal post from a close range.
The deciding moment of the game came in the 54th minute after NorthEast defender Reagan Singh fouled Pronay Halder in the penalty box, giving away a penalty.
The experienced Forlan, who took the penalty, showed no nerves as he scored the winning goal of the game.
The final minutes of the game witnessed a string of attacks by NorthEast but they failed to find the equaliser.
