Mumbai FC staged a brilliant comeback to hold Dempo SC 1-1 in a Round-2 encounter of I-League at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sport Complex in Balewadi here today.
The draw was Mumbai FC's second at home and took their points tally to 2. For the record, the result was the third consecutive draw between both sides in I-League.
Trailing by a first-half goal scored by Jeje Lalpekhlua (45' + 3'), Mumbai FC found their savior in defender Anwar Ali (86thminute) to squash the Goans hopes.
Mumbai FC went into the game making one change opting for defender Valeriano Rebello in place of striker Jayesh Rane.
Both sides began cautiously, with Mumbai FC playing a waiting game.
Five minutes on and Mumbai FC opened up the attack. Skipper Nicholas Rodrigues set up midfielder Climax Lawrence, a former Dempo SC player, inside the box from right. The medio, finding space, let loose a stinger only to have his shot blocked by a defender.
Mumbai FC thereafter suffered a setback with John Coutinho, the hero of Round-1, ending his day with an injury and limping off. John was replaced by Jayesh Rane.
Thereafter, the game was a test for both in the midfield with the Goans marginally dominating proceedings forcing a host of corner-kicks that Mumbai evaded.
