ISL 2020-21: Jahouh blunder hands Chennaiyin well-deserved point vs Mumbai

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:10 am

Chennaiyin players celebrate after equalising vs Mumbai.
Chennaiyin players celebrate after equalising vs Mumbai.
Vipin Pawar/ Sportzpics for ISL

A late error in the box by Ahmed Jahouh rewarded Chennaiyin FC's perseverance and an improved second-half display as they held Mumbai City FC to a 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the GMC Stadium, Bambolim on Monday. However, the result meant Mumbai extended their unbeaten run to 12 games, matching FC Goa's record.

Mumbai grabbed the lead through Bartholomew Ogbeche (21') but his goal was cancelled out by Esmael Goncalves (76') as Chennaiyin rallied to earn a hard-fought point.

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Chennaiyin dominated the opening exchanges and created an early chance in the second minute. Goncalves won the ball in midfield and played Thoi Singh on the right flank, whose cross was flicked by Mourtada Fall just outside the box. It fell towards Lallianzuala Chhangte who unleashed a shot on his weaker foot, which was parried away by Amrinder Singh.

Chennaiyin next chance came from a set-piece as Eli Sabia got a free header from Chhangte's corner, but saw his effort sail over the crossbar.

Those missed opportunities would haunt Chennaiyin as Mumbai broke the deadlock through a set-piece. After Amey Ranawade's throw was cleared away poorly, Rowllin Borges found Bipin Singh on the left. The winger delivered a delicious cross at the far post for Ogbeche, who thumped a brilliant header to notch his fifth goal of the season. That was his 32nd ISL goal as he overtook Marcelinho to climb to third on the all-time scoring charts.

Chennaiyin began the second half strongly in search of an equaliser but neither side was able to fashion clear-cut chances as the game progressed.

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However, they were fortunate to win a penalty after an error from Ahmed Jahouh, who tripped Jakub Sylvestr in the box. Goncalves stepped up to take the spot-kick and sent Amrinder the wrong way to draw Chennaiyin level.

Mumbai piled on the pressure in the last quarter of the game but Chennaiyin's defence stood strong to deny their opponents a winner.