The Indian Super League (ISL) witnessed one of its most dramatic clashes this season as Mumbai City FC edged past Kerala Blasters FC with a 4-2 victory at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday. The match was a showcase of electrifying football, packed with six goals, three penalties, and an unexpected red card that left fans on the edge of their seats.
A Match Full of Twists
From the moment the whistle blew, it was evident that this wasn’t going to be an ordinary game. Mumbai City FC took an early lead with Nikolaos Karelis opening the scoring in the ninth minute. The Greek forward showed his predatory instincts by converting a low cross from Lallianzuala Chhangte into a straightforward tap-in. Karelis’s influence didn’t stop there—he continued to be a thorn in Kerala’s defense with his intelligent positioning and sharp touches throughout the game.
Kerala Blasters FC, however, were not going to roll over easily. They mounted their comeback with a penalty conversion in the first half, leveling the score and reigniting the contest. The game became a battle of wills as both teams exchanged blows, with Karelis striking again for Mumbai from the penalty spot early in the second half. His precision was unmatched, as he sent the keeper the wrong way to notch his brace.
The Peprah Incident: A Game-Changer
Just when it seemed like Kerala Blasters could claw their way back into the game, Kwame Peprah pulled off a moment of brilliance with an acrobatic header, bringing the scoreline to 2-2. But in a twist that could have been plucked straight out of a football drama series, Peprah’s celebration proved costly. The striker, already on a yellow card, removed his jersey to reveal a T-shirt with the message “Annionting God.” Although he quickly realized his mistake and tried to fix it, the damage was done—the referee showed him a second yellow, and off he went.
The red card left Kerala with ten men, and Mumbai City FC wasted no time in exploiting their numerical advantage. Nathan Rodrigues, the 20-year-old starlet, seized the moment with a crucial goal that tilted the match decisively in Mumbai’s favor. His composed finish showcased maturity beyond his years and was met with roaring applause from the home crowd.
Chhangte Seals the Win
Lallianzuala Chhangte, who had been a constant menace on the right wing, capped off Mumbai’s victory by converting yet another penalty. This goal was not just a cherry on top but also marked Chhangte’s milestone 150th appearance in the ISL—a moment to remember for the dynamic winger. His composed strike sealed the 4-2 scoreline, ensuring Mumbai City FC remained undefeated against Kerala Blasters at home since January 2018.
Kerala’s Struggle and Defensive Woes
For Kerala Blasters FC, the night was a bitter pill to swallow. While they showed flashes of brilliance and resilience, including Peprah’s momentary heroics, their defensive lapses and the costly red card spelled doom. The side’s inability to contain Mumbai’s attacking momentum ultimately saw them slip further down the ISL table to 10th place after seven matches.
The Blasters’ coach will likely face tough questions regarding tactical decisions and discipline, especially after a match that showcased both potential and recklessness. With their next match against Hyderabad FC looming, Kerala Blasters will need to regroup and address these issues swiftly to avoid further slipping down the rankings.
Mumbai’s Mixed Fortunes Continue
While the win was a breath of fresh air for Mumbai City FC, who currently sit seventh after six games, it highlighted both their strengths and areas needing improvement. Karelis and Chhangte’s attacking prowess combined with Rodrigues’ youthful spark showed what Mumbai could achieve when everything clicks. However, their defensive fragilities remain a concern, as conceding two goals—even when one was from a penalty—revealed vulnerabilities that better teams might exploit.
FAQs
Three penalties were awarded in the match: two for Mumbai City FC and one for Kerala Blasters FC.
Nikolaos Karelis scored twice, while Nathan Rodrigues and Lallianzuala Chhangte each added a goal to secure Mumbai’s 4-2 victory.
Kwame Peprah was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for excessive celebration—specifically, removing his jersey to reveal an undershirt with a message.
Lallianzuala Chhangte made his 150th ISL appearance in this match and capped it off with a goal from the penalty spot.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
The Mumbai City vs Kerala Blasters match was a perfect example of why football is called “the beautiful game.” It had drama, goals, tactical battles, and moments of sheer unpredictability. While Mumbai City FC will celebrate their hard-fought victory, Kerala Blasters will need to reflect on what went wrong and how they can bounce back stronger. One thing’s for sure: the ISL continues to deliver thrilling action that keeps fans glued to their screens.
