I-League: Mumbai FC make inspired comeback

PUNE: It took a special comeback and a goal at the death for Mumbai FC to breathe life back into their I-League campaign when they beat Sporting Clube de Goa 3-2 at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune, on Friday. Going into the game with no points from four games and languishing at the bottom of the table, Khalid Jamil's boys turned in an inspired show when they came back from two goals down to earn three full points. It took less than twenty minutes for Sporting to get a grip on the game as they scored through Obiora Anorue and Dawson Fernandes to give Mumbai a sinking feeling. But the hosts didn't waste time in making sure they had a chance when Gabriel Fernandes pounced on an error by Sporting 'keeper Gerard D'Mello who spilled what should have been an easy collection. An equaliser at the stroke of halftime was just what the Mumbai side needed and it came from a rather unlikely source in Justine Stephen. The defender did well to head home a Nicholas Rodrigues free kick to level scores.Jamil started with Gabriel in favour of seasoned striker ND Opara and the move paid dividends. The Mumbai club pressed for a winner but just couldn't manage an effort worthy of one. Just when everyone thought the game was meandering toward a draw, Amiri Islam produced a moment of brilliance, controlling a cross before unleashing home a memorable strike to hand Mumbai FC their first points of the season.