Churchill Brothers paid dearly for a missed penalty in the first half as Mumbai FC struck twice in the second half to score their first win in the third round of the Airtel I-League here today.
After a barren first half, Mumbai, who did well to defend their citadel in the second half, scored through Essien Orok (46th) and Climax Lawerence (87th).
The win took Mumbai FC to five points from three matches, while Churchill Brothers, who suffered their second defeat, have one point from three matches.
More From This Section
Afghanistan striker Sandjar Ahmadi made his debut for Mumbai FC.
Both the teams fought evenly in the first half as the ball moved to and fro with neither team able to break the deadlock in the barren first half.
Churchill Brothers, who enjoyed a better ball possession, pressed hard to score but Antchouet and Balwant Singh effort went out.
However, their effort bore fruit as they earned a penalty five minutes before the interval when Nicholas Rodrigues brought down Bineesh Balan inside the box and referee M B Santosh awarded penalty.
Henri Antchouet, who took the kick, directed a feeble shot at the goal which rival keeper Kunal Sawant dived to his left and managed to prevent the ball going into the net.
Mumbai FC, who also came with few counter moves with Nicholas Rodrigues attempt from a free-kick, was punched over by keeper Lalit Tapa.