Mumbai FC wins over Chirag United in I-League

Kolkata: Chirag United`s misery in converting penalties continued but this time it cost them dear with Mumbai FC registering a stunning 1-0 win in the round-10 I-League match at Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

Mumbai FC`s Nigerian forward Ebi Sukore headed the match-winning goal in the 19th minute and the depleted Chirag United got an opportunity to earn a point when they earned a penalty in the 88th minute. But their medio Denson Devadas, going through a woeful loss of form, did a Joshimar D`Silva, failing to score from the spot to drop points. The win helped Mumbai FC (17 points) go past Chirag United (14) after 10 matches each. It was their star striker Joshimar D`Silva, who missed to score from the spot as they had to settle for a draw against leaders East Bengal in their previous match. Chirag however sorely missed the services of the Brazilian forward, who had to sit out after picking two yellow cards.With their Nigerian forward Elijah Junior yet to recover from his injury, Chirag struggled badly up front as Mohammad Rafique and Branco Cardozo put up a listless display. Mumbai FC were equally lacklustre though they converted the opportunity that came in their way. With Chirag defence nowhere to be seen, Sukore capitalised on a Faizal Rehman cross to head it in for a 19th minute lead.With the depleted Chirag United frontline failing to take control of the game, a brilliant chance came in their way in the 88th minute when they were awarded a penalty after S Kutti Mani handled the ball inside the box. But it turned out to be an absolute disaster for the Chirag camp as they missed a second penalty in two matches with Devadas being the culprit this time around as the Mumbai boys returned with a big smile. PTI