Mumbai strikers stumbled to a 2-1 Mumbai Elite League defeat at Bombay Muslims on Tuesday.
The Strikers’ hopes of climbing up the table were scuppered by a below-par performance, where second half goals from Bombay Muslims settled a disappointing performance by Maclin Dpenha’ side. MS debutant Joseph D'mello got a goal back late in the second half but Bombay Muslims managed to hold on.
In the first 15 minutes, Bombay Muslims looked sharp and put the Strikers' defence under considerable pressure with their long ball tactics. MS managed to hold on and slowly got on top of things by dominating possession at the back and in midfield. MS were wastefull in attack yet again as they could not capitalise on the chances created. The first half ended goalless.
Then, on 62, MS lost possession in Midfield and Bombay Muslims countered down their right flank winning a corner. A quickly taken short corner found the MS defense napping and was headed in as MS custodian Abhishek Singh came out to Punch, but missed.
Bombay Muslims doubled their lead in the 75th minute as a through pass inbetween the center backs found their striker in a 1v1 situation amid the MS defenders protest for an offside which was not given. MS Custodian Abhishek managed to save the initial shot but the rebound fell again in the strikers path as he rounded the keeper to finish.
MS Manager D'penha sent in Arsalan Hamdulay and Joseph D'mello from the substitutes’ bench, adding ammunition to the attack which gave immediate results. In the 88th minute, MS full back Madhusudan Phadale's long ball over the defense found Joseph charging on goal who deftly lobbed it over the onrushing keeper to score his debut goal.
The Strikers kept looking for the equaliser and nearly found it in stoppage time as Ravish D'souza was put through when winger Akshay Devadiga slipped in a sublime pass. Ravish went pass the keeper with a deft touch but hit the side netting with his attempt much to the sigh of Bombay Muslims. That was the last action of the half as the referee blew the final whistle.
Having passed up the chance to climb the League table, MS will now need to regroup and recharge for Friday’s encounter with PIFA Colaba FC.