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Defending Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC suffered a late equaliser against Mumbai City FC to settle for a one-all draw at the Marina Arena (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium) in Chennai on Wednesday night.
The hosts had more of the action with Italian Maurizio Peluso having two good chances to give his side the lead with captain and marquee Diego Forlan having Mumbai City FC’s best chance of the first session with a long ranger just going over the crossbar. The match was goalless at the break.
Things changed after the breather with Chennaiyin FC taking a 51st minute lead, when a Maurizio Peluso corner was headed in by India striker Jeje Lalpekhlua at the near post. It was Jeje five minutes later, whose attempt went wide, while he was denied by Lucian Goian a few minutes later.
Substitute MacPherlin Dudu Omegbemi should have sealed the three points for Chennaiyin FC in the 71st minute, but keeper Albino Gomes was off his line to clear the danger and Augusto had an attempt deflected over the crossbar as Chennaiyin FC wasted numerous chances for a second goal.
Mumbai City FC did push up towards the end of the game to try and get a point, which happened two minutes from time as substitute Leo Costa’s brilliant long ranger beat the outstretched arms of Duwayne Kerr to give Mumbai City FC their first ever point against Chennaiyin FC.
The champions will rue the two dropped points, while for Mumbai City FC the point in Chennai could be crucial in finally reaching the ISL semifinals.
Match Awards
Club award: Chennaiyin FC/Mumbai City FC
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Lucian Goian (Mumbai City FC)
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Maurizio Peluso (Chennaiyin FC)
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Leo Costa (Mumbai City FC)
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Sena Ralte (Mumbai City FC)
Hero of the Match: Jeje Lalpekhlua (Chennaiyin FC)
