Indian Super League: Mumbai City FC draws 3-3 with defending champions Hyderabad FC
Defending champions Hyderabad FC failed to defeat Mumbai City FC despite being a few minutes away from scoring three points. They led 3-2 until the opposition's Alberto Noguera netted the equaliser for Mumbai City FC
AFC : Mumbai Indians losses big timeBoth teams played their Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 campaign openers with a spectacular 3-3 draw at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune.
The Durand Cup 2022 finalists made a strong start, and their aggression almost landed them a lead in the fifth minute. Jorge Pereyra made a well-timed pass to Bipin Singh in the penalty box, but the winger couldn't convert.
After 10 minutes, we saw the first on-target attempt as Joel Chianese's freekick was redirected to Phurba Lachenpa through an effort made by Chinglensana Singh.
Bipin found the opening goal of the match
Twenty-three minutes into the game, Mumbai City FC made a solid attempt to score. Bipin Singh Thounaojam darted across the left flank and sent a low ball into the box that found Chinglensanasa, who deflected it at the back of his net.
Hyderabad FC equalised in the last minute of the first-half stoppage time. Mumbai City's Lalengmawia Ralte challenged Bartholomew Ogbeche inside the box and conceded a penalty.
Joao Victor's strike misled the goalkeeper as he dived into the wrong side. When the second half started, Chianese capitalised on the commotion at midfield and passed the ball to Mohammed Yasir.
The 24-year-old winger found the perfect opening for Halicharan Narzary as he slid the ball past the keeper. Within five minutes of Hyderabad FC's second goal, Bipin's attempt to score was blocked by Laxmikant Kattimani.
Mumbai City FC snapped back with an unexpected 85th-minute equaliser
The Islanders lost the chance to equalise, but seven minutes past an hour into the match, substitute Ahmed Jahouh's pass to Greg Stewart enabled them to acquire another goal.
The Scottish striker sent the ball past Kattimani and scored his first goal for The Islanders. Within 10 minutes, Hyderabad retook the lead, thanks to Joao Victor slotting it in from close range.
Substitute Borja Herrera swung a corner at the goalpost, and Odei Onaindia headed the ball across the goal, and it found Victor. Despite having the opportunity to win, Mumbai City equalised in the 85th minute.
Bipin passed the ball to Stewart, and the striker played it before substitute Alberto Noguera found it and side-footed it into the net. The last few minutes were a tug of war between both sides, but none of them budged.
Hyderabad will go to Guwahati for their next game against NorthEast United, and the Islanders will return to Mumbai to host Odisha FC.