ISL 2018-19: Rafael Bastos shines as Mumbai City FC defeats Chennaiyin FC 2-0

Raynier Fernandes and Modou Sogou were the goalscorers for the home side, which has now moved up to second in the points table.

Modou Sogou celebrates after doubling Mumbai City's lead against the defending champion.

Goals from Raynier Fernandes and Modou Sogou helped Mumbai City secure a 2-0 win over Chennaiyin FC in an Indian Super League contest here on Thursday. With the result, the home team moves to the second spot in the points table. It has six wins in 11 matches.

Match Centre

Cheanniyin FC fought till the end but lacked the punch to deal a blow in the rival goalmouth. For the home side, custodian Amrinder Singh displayed admirable poise dealing with the threat posed by Chennaiyin.

 

Surging run

Lothar Matthaus, a famous face in the stands at Mumbai Football Arena, was present on Thursday. He watched goals from Rayner, Sougou and a shot on the run by the latter, which bounced over off the crossbar. Rafael Bastos’ surging run down the middle would have earned the German legend’s admiration. The shot of the Brazilian bounced off a defender and fell into the path of Sougou to nod home. It was the team’s second goal, in the 55th minute.

Raynier Fernandes scores the first goal for Mumbai City FC. Photo: ISL Media

 

Mumbai’s first goal had arrived in the 27th minute. The finishing touch to a Bastos move was provided by Raynier, who slipped into position for a pass, took the ball first time, and turned, picking his spot at the corner with a glance up. Then, he calmly tapped in with a carpet drive. Sandipan Ghosh was in place under the bar but the ball rolled wide off him and into the net.

Efforts in vain

Chennaiyin started the contest without Jerry Lalrinzuala at the back; Lalrinzuala is noted for surging runs down the flank. Instead, Tondonba got a look-in from the squad which went down fighting to ATK in the previous contest.

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Chennaiyin, striving hard to get a grip on the game, tried hard to spot holes in the home team defence. The team spread along the wings. The relay forward was swift, but the final pass could not inflict damage. Carlos Salom tested Amrinder with an attempt from far. Thoi Singh got closer and shot wide.

The visitor, playing before a modest 3,462 fans in attendance, suffered its eighth loss in 11 appearances.

• Mumbai City FC 2 (Rayner Feernandes 27, Modou Sougou 55) bt Chennaiyin FC 0.