ISL: Jamshedpur FC deal huge blow to Mumbai City FC’s quest for group stage top spot with 2-0 win

Mumbai City FC’s chances of finishing at the top of the Indian Super League received a huge blow as they suffered a 0-2 defeat against Jamshedpur FC at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Saturday.

Goals from substitutes Boris Singh (72’) and David Grande (90’) helped JFC inflict a second-straight defeat upon the Islanders, who are undergoing their worst phase in the league so far.

This result meant a win for ATK Mohun Bagan against Hyderabad FC on Monday would ensure them of the League Winners Shield and the coveted AFC Champions League spot. MCFC will be praying HFC can prevent that from happening so that their match against ATK MB to finish the group stage will still offer them hope to finish top.

It was a rather ordinary first 45 minutes with very little action throughout. Jamshedpur were the dominant side nullifying Mumbai’s usual free-flowing football. Owen Coyle’s men played a high-pressing game thus disrupting Mumbai City’s moves.

JFC seemed to have done their homework right, as the Islanders found it difficult to play from the back as they usually do. They had just one shot in the first session, that too off target.

Though both sides didn’t have clear-cut chances, Mumbai’s Amrinder Singh was comparatively busier than JFC’s TP Rehenesh. Amrinder was called into action as early as the 5th minute when Isaac Vanmalsawma lashed in a cross from the left flank into the box for Nerijus Valskis. But his header was met by Amrinder’s palm.

JFC kept knocking at the Mumbai goal throughout but weren’t getting the final touch. Seiminlen Doungel and Farukh Choudhary had their moments but again they couldn’t keep their attempt on target.

Valskis missed a chance to put his side ahead when he was played in by Isaac. However, the Lithuanian headed way over.

Nothing changed in the second half as JFC continued their attack on the Mumbai goal. Isaac sent a cross to Choudhary, who showed great technique in controlling the ball before getting past his marker, only to see his attempt saved by Amrinder.

It was no surprise when JFC got the ball in the back of the net in the 72nd minute. Aitor Monroy hit a low delivery at the near post and Choudhary got ahead of Ahmed Jahouh and flicked it to the middle. Boris was there at the right place at the right time to slam the ball into the back of the net. It felt like a mishit corner at first look, but replays suggested it might have been a well-worked routine.

Mumbai had a chance to restore parity from a corner. Cy Goddard was able to find Mourtada Fall with his delivery by the last-named but fired his header wide.

Grande ensured full points for JFC with a fine finish. Isaac and Monroy combined in the middle of the park with little pressure before the Spaniard slipped the ball into the path of Grande, who stabbed it past Amrinder.

The result kept ATKMB five games ahead. The top spot is out of their control now, while JFC kept their mathematical chances of finishing in the top four alive, although it is an unlikely scenario.