It surely was the best game played at the Cooperage here since the stadium was refurbished. It saw the highest number of spectators at the ground. The quality of the game was nothing less than top-class.
A close to 200 people thronged the stadium witnessed Mumbai City FC, the Mumbai franchise of the Indian Super League beat ONGC, an Elite Division team of the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) 2-1 in a friendly on Tuesday night. After all, it's not often that you get to see a football legend like Frenchman Nicolas Anelka take the field.
And he didn't disappoint. He chased down every ball and passed with pin-point accuracy. Of course, he showed the calibre of an international player as he went past defenders with ease and poise. And yes, he also did a few tricks with the ball that saw the crowd go into frenzy.
The highlight of the game, however, was in the first half when Mumbai City FC's winger Laldrindika Ralte received a ball just between the halfline and the penalty box. He took a powerful left-footed shot that ONGC's goalkeeper had no answer to. Ralte, who has played for club like Churchill Brothers and East Bengal, didn't take the credit for the goal. "It was a good set up. I saw that I could score it past the 'keeper. I'm happy it went in."
Though Mumbai City were in the lead, the scoreline hardly told the true story. The ONGC midfielders were at their creative best, and kept on piling the pressure leading to some tense situations. But those attacks were thwarted by Johan Letzelter from France. The no nonsense defender was seen shouting at his colleagues, urging them to get in rhythm.
Anelka's cross in the final minute of the first half saw Diego Nadaya head it past the 'keeper, only for the referee to rule offside.
Mumbai City doubled the lead early in the second half when Peter Costa tapped in from a corner. And with that, the ISL team gained control of the game. They did however concede an own goal late in the second half courtesy a Rohit Mirza own-goal, but they still managed to hang on for the win.
This was Mumbai City's fourth friendly game so far, and they have maintained an all-win record. According to India player Syed Nabi, ONGC was the best opponent they faced so far. "We were vary of playing against these guys because we knew they are extremely good. It was a good test for our defence. Also, it was the first time our team played against foreigners (ONGC have a couple of foreigners).
The game was Mumbai City's last practice session before they take on Atletico de Kolkata in the season opener this Sunday, and Nabi feels that he's going to be under immense pressure. The former East Bengal and Mohun Bagan said, "I've never played at the Salt Lake stadium for a non-Kolkata team. So, it's going to be a bit difficult for me."
If Mumbai City have to win the inaugural ISL, they need to quickly work on their midfield. Adding to their woes is that Anelka cannot play for the first three games because of his universal ban following his quenelle celebration while playing for West Brom last season. Another setback is that their marquee signing, Freddie Ljungberg, is carrying a calf injury and might not be available to play on Sunday.
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