ISL 2021-22: Bheke nets winner as Mumbai City consolidate lead

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:01 am

Mumbai City players celebrate Rahul Bheke's winner for Mumbai City FC against Chennaiyin FC.
Mumbai City players celebrate Rahul Bheke's winner for Mumbai City FC against Chennaiyin FC.
Faheem Hussain/Focus Sports/ ISL

Mumbai City FC rode on Rahul Bheke's second-half goal to consolidate their lead at the top of the table and end Chennaiyin FC's unbeaten run in a Hero Indian Super League game at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday.

Bheke scored the winner in the 86th minute, making the most of a Vishal Kaith error as the goalkeeper swatted at Ahmed Jahouh's delivery from a free kick. Courtesy of the result, Mumbai now have 15 points from six matches. Chennaiyin, meanwhile, dropped to fifth with eight points from five matches.

Chennaiyin were off to a good start but in no time Mumbai were back to doing what they do best: keep the ball and dictate the tempo of the game.

Cassio Gabriel looked as sharp as ever but the first chance fell to Igor Angulo after Vishal Kaith made a meal of an easy collection and Angulo was on hand to take a swipe but the seasoned striker found the outside of the post to his and Mumbai's dismay.

Angulo had another chance to make it 1-0 for the Islanders in the 22nd minute when Ahmed Jahouh dinked a delectable ball for him but the 37-year old Spaniard shot wide. Chennaiyin struggled to get the ball out of their half as the league leaders bossed possession.

Rahul Bheke scored the winner for Mumbai City FC against Chennaiyin FC.
Rahul Bheke scored the winner for Mumbai City FC against Chennaiyin FC.
Vipin Pawar/Focus Sports/ ISL

In the second period, it was more of the same as Mumbai tried to break the resolute Chennaiyin defence. In the 70th minute, Gabriel fired in a first-time shot but Vishal Kaith made a good reactive save, to be called into action again to pull off a double save.

Mumbai head coach Des Buckingham brought in Ygor Catatau for Angulo in search of that elusive goal, but that came from an unlikely source in the 86th minute. Bheke scored his first goal for the club, nodding in a Jahouh free kick past Kaith who tried hard but saw the ball cushion into the back of the net.

Ariel Borysiuk fired a rocket from around 40 yards in the 89th minute but the ball went just over the bar as Chennaiyin lost their first game of the season.