Sergio Lobero’s Mumbai fights out Odisha in the Sunday evening clash of the Indian Football League 2020-21.
Mumbai pulled off two stunning victories to find the second spot on the table, while Odisha got a heartbreak against Mohun B in the previous game with an injury-time winner.
Match Timings: Dec 06, 5 PM IST
Team Preview
The first game’s defeat was a fluke for the Islanders as they bounced back and lived up to the expectations in the next two matches. Sergio Lobero formed Mumbai to set up six points against Goa and East Bengal. The former A-League striker Fondre guided Mumbai home in both matches. Against Goa, Fondre scored a winner in injury time through a penalty. He also started the scoring against East Bengal in the next game through a backheel pass from Hugo Boumous. Mumbai ended the first half on 1-0, and they broke the deadlock again as Fondre completed the brace with a 48th-minute penalty. Harnan Santana scored the third as Boumous set up his second pass of the game.
Hugo Boumous has been a key figure for Mumbai. He controlled the game and created two assists, and formed a penalty for Fondre. The last assist was the record 19th assist for Hugo Boumous. Amrinder Singh also made few crucial saves, especially the first half save against Mohammed Rafique. Rowllin Borges was excellent in his role and led to the first goal with a 40-yard pass.
Meanwhile, Odisha’s campaign has been disappointing, with only one point from the first three. Its best game came against Coyelo’s Jamshedpur. Odisha pulled off a fine comeback after going two goals down in the first half. Baxter’s side held the Red Miners, courtesy of Diego Mauricio’s brace. Mauricio produced a strike from an impossible angle by slamming the ball at the back of the net.
On Thursday night, they were up against the robust Mohun B. The first half witnessed no scoring, despite a reasonable effort in the midfield. Odisha got a chance in the 35th minute as Jacob Tratt headed the ball wide from five yards out, but it was a waste of effort. In full-time, both sides couldn’t find the goal, and Mohun B. were looking to drop points for the first time this season. In injury time, Roy Krishna netted a winner through a header to deliver a heartbreak for Odisha. Goalkeeper Kamaljit could have saved Krishna’s header. Baxter’s men can only blame themselves for this defeat. They can admire the team's effort to give Mohun B. an intense fight.
Odisha has defeated Mumbai four times in the previous 12 meetings but lost five times too. In last season, Odisha ran out winners twice as they beat Mumbai 6-2 with an aggregate number. For this season, the equation is changed. The sides have been formed with new signings, and Odisha needs to play out of its skin to stop Lobero’s strong side.
Possible Lineups & Current Form
Mumbai
Lineup: Amrinder Singh, Mandar Rao Dessai, Tondomba Singh, Mourtada Fall, Sarthak Golui, Ahmed Jahouh, Rowllin Borges, Hugo Boumous, Raynier Fernandes, Adam Le Fondre, Bartholomew Ogbeche
Current Form – W W L
Previous match: 3-0 victory against East Bengal
Odisha
Lineup: Arshdeep Singh; Jacob Tratt, Steven Taylor, Shubham Sarangi, George D'Souza, Marcelinho, Samuel Lalmuanpuia, Cole Alexander, Nandha Kumar, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Manuel Onwu
Current Form – D L
Previous outing – 1-0 loss to Mohun B.
Key Players
Mumbai
Adam le Fondre
20 goals in A-League 2019-20
3 goal in Indian Football League 2020-21
Hugo Boumous
2 assists in Indian Football League 2020-21
Odisha
Diego Mauricio
2 goal in Indian Football League 2020-21
Marcelinho
7 goals in Indian Football League 2019-20
2 goals in pre-season 2020
