Mumbai FC were held to a 1-1 draw by league-leaders Bengaluru FC in a hard fought I-League Round-18 encounter at the Bangalore Football Stadium, here today.
Defender Ebi Sukore put Mumbai FC ahead in the 47th minute before striker Robin Singh (55th) pulled the hosts level.
With this draw, Mumbai FC took their tally to 18 points and stay in the 10th place in the standings.
Mumbai FC were restricted to few attacks in the first half as they held on waves of attack from the Bangaluru FC forwards. However, the defense led by Anwar Ali and Sandesh stood tall clearing every ball pumped into the box.
With Mumbai FC going ahead on occasional counter attacks through striker Yusif Yakubu, it was Bengaluru FC who created the best chance of the half three minutes past the half-hour mark.
After defender Anwar did well to block a penetrative run by striker Robin into the box on the right, the latter picked up the loose ball and squared it for an unmarked Sean Rooney inside the box on the left. The Australian attempted a shot but was denied by a brilliant save by Mumbai FC keeper Kunal Sawant who rushed out with a dive.
Both sides went into the break tied at goalless.
The second half was a different story as Mumbai FC came out of their shell and began attacking.
Defender Sukore, inside the rival box, did well to control Mohammed Rafi's cross in from the left on the turn before finishing past the helpless keeper.
The goal gave Mumbai FC confidence and they started weaving more attacks in the final third keeping the Bengaluru FC defense on its toes.
However, it was the hosts who capitalised on a defensive lapse to equalise seven minutes later at the other end. Creating space on the right, medio Beingaicho Beikhokhei chipped in a cross allowing Robin to head in from close.
Into the final quarter both sides created several half chances but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
