Pune: Intrigue in the I-League continued even though the title was decided last week as bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting extended their stay in the top tier, for a day at least, when the Kolkata team defeated hosts Mumbai FC 2-1 here on Sunday.
Mohammedan, who began with 21 points, needed to earn a full three to make life tough for 2013 champions Churchill Brothers (22), who play Salgaocar on Monday.
Now with the Kolkata club moving to 24 points thanks to goals from Taro Hasegawa and Penn Orji, it has become imperative for Churchill to win against Salgaocar and avoid becoming the first defending champions to be relegated.
As for Mumbai FC, Khalid Jamil’s boys frittered away a golden chance to finish above their derby rivals Pune FC.
Inexplicably, Jamil fielded a weak side with Yusif Yakubu missing from the line-up and also from the bench.
The defeat meant Mumbai stays at 28 points and in eighth position and only United SC (26), who meet East Bengal on Monday, have a chance to get better of them.
Nonetheless, it was Mumbai FC who took the lead through Ebi Sukore’s header in the 20th minute, but Mohammedan shot back immediately through Hasegawa before Orji scored five minutes from the close to give the Kolkatans a decent end to what has been a tough campaign.
After the Japanese striker Hasegawa scored in the 25th minute, Mohammedan played with purpose, while Mumbai were always on the back foot.
The goal came about when Syed Rahim Nabi set up Hasegawa on the right. The Japanese then fired in a left-footer that hit the crosspiece, but dipped in at the near post.
Mohammedan had several chances after the resumption but poor finishing and a complacent forward line led by Brazilian striker Josimar saw all of them being wasted.
The winning goal came in the 85thminute when Orji’s left-footed shot deflected off Anwar before settling in the back of the net. (Agencies)
