Mumbai: Mumbai City FC were robbed of an opportunity to reclaim top spot as FC Pune City beat them 1-0, on Thursday. A goalkeeping howler by Mumbai's goalie Albino Gomes allowed the returning Eugeneson Lyngdoh to score the winner in the 89th minute.
Mumbai created numerous chances in the game, but they were denied by some good goalkeeping from Pune's Edel Bete and poor finishing from their strikers. The hosts remain in the second position in the standings. On the other hand, Pune jumped to the fourth position in the table with the vital win.
Mumbai had ten shots in the game, but were able to direct only three of them on the target. Coach Alexandre Guimaraes was really disappointed with the result, and said the game served as a reminder that it won’t be easy to qualify for the playoffs.
“It is really a shame that we didn't take any points from the game because we did all we had to do to get the points. We tried to penetrate in different ways in their wall, tried to change positions, tried to win duels. We had our chances but we didn't get at least one in. They got the end result of the game,” said Guimaraes in the post-match conference.
“This happens and we are still in a good position and it's a reminder for us that it won’t be easy to get to top four. I’m sure the players know the situation and in the next game we'll try harder.”
When asked about Mumbai’s strikers, who failed to convert the chances that fell their way, the coach said, “This is football and it happens. When you have this kind of situation you better focus to draw. One point is not bad and we played for a win but couldn't,” Guimaraes added.
“We had clear chances in both halves, maybe more in the first but better combination in the second. I have to see the stats but I think we had clear 50-50 chances in each half.”
Guimaraes also had some encouraging words for Gomes, who failed to collect a cross into the Mumbai box, allowing Lyngdoh to score the winner.
“He had done well for us. It happens to any keeper. He has my confidence and players learn from mistakes. He has to now show his character to get up,” said the coach.
Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri made a comeback for Mumbai after his successful stint with Bengaluru FC, and the coach was thoroughly impressed by his performance.
“The most important thing is that he showed today that he can help us very much.”
Pune coach Antonio Habas was very happy with the result and compared the game to the first Maharashtra derby of this seson, which Pune lost at home 1-0 to Mumbai.
“I’m happy for the players. We know matches were very similar. In Pune, Mumbai didn't deserve to win but they won and today we didn't deserve maybe but we did,” said Antonio Habas.
Pune strikers failed yet again to register their names on the score sheet, but Habas doesn’t seem flustered.
“We don't know and let's see if we get play-off spot. Our team has a different quality of play and we're strong. We need a balance between our attack and defense,” added Habas.
