The entertaining match was an end-to-end affair, as it kept the fans on the edge of their seats but eventually finished with nothing to separate the two sides.
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An inspired performance by Deshorn Brown helped NorthEast United FC come from two goals behind to hold Mumbai City FC. The action-packed match eventually ended in a 3-3 draw in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda on Monday. The entertaining match was an end-to-end affair, as it kept the fans on the edge of their seats but eventually finished with nothing to separate the two sides. Deshorn Brown (29’, 56’, 80’), who returned to the side after overcoming an injury, scored the hat-trick for the Highlanders, whereas Igor Angulo (33’, 52’) and Bipin Singh (40’) were the goal-scorers for Mumbai City FC.
The Islanders looked dangerous in the early going and created a chance when Ahmed Jahouh delivered a delightful free kick from the inside right channel. NorthEast United FC goalkeeper Mirshad Michu denied Ygor Catatau when he rose highest to meet the delivery. Mumbai City FC continued to attack and try to create opportunities, but the Highlanders did well to keep them at bay in the first quarter. After weathering the storm, NorthEast United FC took the lead in the 29th minute, thanks to Brown.
3️⃣ goals in his first match after returning from an injury! ?
Presenting to you the Hero of the Match for tonight, @strika09. ?#NEUMCFC #HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/AgRdZ07muy
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 27, 2021
Their joy, however, was short-lived, as Angulo restored parity four minutes later. Following Angulo’s goal, the Islanders grew in stature and took advantage of a goalkeeping error in the 40th minute, with Bipin benefiting from it. In the second half, Mumbai City FC continued to press and dominate possession. They were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Angulo pounced on some slack defending and scored in from Catatau’s low cross. In the process, the Spaniard became the season’s leading goal scorer (7 goals).
That, however, only jolted the Highlanders into action. Brown raced in from the right flank in the 56th minute, collected a lofted pass, and hit the ball past Mohammad Nawaz. Brown completed his hat-trick late in the game when he latched onto Imran Khan’s cross and diverted the ball past the retreating defenders. Both teams pushed hard for the winner in second-half stoppage time. Mathias Coureur (NorthEast United), Angulo, and Rahul Bheke (Mumbai City FC) all had great chances to win the game, but they all missed, and the game ended in an enjoyable stalemate.
Mumbai City FC will lock horns with Odisha FC on 3rd January at the Tilak Maidan Stadium while NorthEast United will face Jamshedpur FC on 6th January at the GMC Athletic Stadium.
