With the proceedings on the pitch as gloomy as the Mumbai weather, Mumbai FC and Sporting Clube de Goa split points following a 0-0 draw as the first phase of the 2009-10 i-League came to a close at the Cooperage.
Surprisingly, it was the visiting Goans – currently in last place in the standings -who dominated the early exchanges in the game and came within whiskers of scoring the opening goal on several occasions.
Close!
Sporting‘s first real opportunity came in the 20th minute when Nathaneil Amos set up team mate Chinta Chandrashekar with a delightful chip across the face of goal. Unmarked and with the goal at his mercy, the Sporting defender was unable to keep his attempt on target as the ball flew over the cross-bar.
Two minutes later it would be Amos at the receiving end of a quality cross from Sporting skipper Bibiano Fernandes – only for a last minute interception by Mumbai FC’s Evan Quo to deny the striker an attempt on goal.
Midfield Duo
Midway through and with most of the action happening in Mumbai FC’s half, it was clear that Sporting Clube were dominating play. Credit goes to the tireless midfield partnership of Michael Tayo and Bibiano orchestrating moves in the middle of the park.
Off a corner, striker Amos’ opted for the spectacular with a reflexive bicycle kick however his attempt – despite being on target - did not create any problems for the Mumbai FC keeper.
At the end of the first period – devoid of any real Mumbai FC chances – it finished 0-0 at the Cooperage.
