Northeast United FC brightened their semifinal prospects with a 2-0 win over strugglers Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super league (ISl) here on Friday, helping the Highlanders move to fourth position in the pecking order.
Bruno Aires put the hosts ahead when he converted a penalty in the 41st minute, and the lead was doubled after Diomansy Kamara found the net in the 85th minute at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, which saw a turnout of over 15000.
While Northeast United FC jumped to the top four, the visitors, coming here after the 0-7 thrashing at the hands of FC Goa, are struggling at sixth place and need to win their remaining games to advance to the next round.
Early in the game for Mumbai City showed composure and some good passing. In the first minute itself there was an opportunity for Saran Singh to open the account but Rehenesh proved equal to the task when Saran fired a volley.
NorthEast United were subdued for long spells but the hosts moved ahead in the 40th minute after they won a penalty. The dangerous Kamara controlled a ball on the left and then worked his way inside the danger zone where he collided after contact with Mumbai City defender Rowilson Rodrigues. The referee promptly awarded a penalty which Bruno Arias converted.
Mumbai did not crumble after conceding the first goal and showed determination for a fight. Nicolas Anelka and Sunil Chhetri tried their best to draw level but lacked the final touch.
Early in second half, Anelka went close when he played a nice one-two with Chhetri and despite pressure from NorthEast defenders, controlled the ball well and shot at goal which was saved by Rehenesh.
NorthEast ensured full points in the 85th minute with a goal from dead ball. Simao Sabrosa took a free kick right into the goalmouth where the Mumbai goalkeeper clashed with his own player, Pavel Cmovs, allowing Kamara a simple tap-in.