Match Report: MCFC vs KBFC

In a hard-fought battle at the Mumbai Football Arena, the Blasters came up short with a 4-2 loss against the Islanders.

First Half

Mumbai City began the game on the front foot, taking an early lead at 1-0. The first half was marked by a few close calls, with both teams exchanging possession and creating chances.

Kerala Blasters struggled to break through Mumbai’s defensive line but looked dangerous in moments, especially when Jimenez got into promising positions. However, as the whistle blew for halftime, Mumbai maintained their narrow lead.

Second Half

The second half burst into life with both teams ramping up their attacking play. The pace picked up in the 55th minute when Mumbai doubled their lead through a well-taken penalty by Karelis. Shortly after, Blaster’s won a penalty of their own, with Jimenez coolly converting to make it 2-1, bringing Kerala Blasters back into contention.

In a dramatic twist, Kerala Blasters equalised at 2-2 in the 71st minute with a powerful header by Peprah. However, the forward’s celebration led to a second yellow card, reducing the Blasters to ten men. This proved to be a pivotal moment in the match, as Mumbai City quickly capitalised on their advantage.

Just minutes later, Nathan Rodrigues volleyed home to make it 3-2, reclaiming the lead for Mumbai.
In the closing minutes, Mumbai’s captain Chhangte sealed the win with a perfectly executed penalty, bringing the score to 4-2 in the 90th minute.

Despite the Blasters’ late effort to mount a comeback, Mumbai’s defence held firm, and they controlled possession until the final whistle.

Match Details:

Full-time: Mumbai City FC 4-2 Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters Starting XI:

Som Kumar (GK), Adrian Luna (C), Pritam Kotal, Alexandre Coeff, Sandeep Singh, Vibin Mohanan, Jesus Jiménez, Huidrom Naocha Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Kwame Peprah, Danish Farooq.

Goals:

57’ Jesus Jiménez
71’ Kwame Peprah

Substitutions:

45’ Danish Farooq➡ Freddy Lallawmawma
45’ Sandeep Singh➡ Korou Singh
85’ Alexander Coeff ➡ Milos Drincic