East Bengal F.C. Hold Mumbai F.C. to Goalless Draw in I-League

East Bengal F.C. and hosts Mumbai F.C. played out a goalless draw in the first round of I-League football tournament at the Cooperage Ground on Sunday. (I-League Has Been a Failure: Bhaichung Bhutia)

Both the hosts and the visitors showed aggression from the word go but failed to get the desired results. As the game progressed, both teams lost out on their attacking intensity. (Bengaluru FC Begin 2016 I-League in Style, Defeat Salgaocar FC 2-1)

The visitors had a golden chance to go ahead just before the break as Do Dong-hyun went through the defence quite easily but couldn't hold on to the ball till the end and goalkeeper Pawan Kumar took possession with ease.

The two teams went into the break without scoring at half-time.

Mumbai F.C. came out stronger after the break with new recruit Arata Izumi attempting a long shot on goal which was eventually blocked by goalkeeper Kumar.

East Bengal coach Biswajit Bhattacharya tried his best to inspire his team from the sidelines but that too failed to work.

East Bengal looked low on energy and did little to break the deadlock.

So far, Mumbai have played two games and have drawn both their matches while East Bengal have won one and drawn one in their two games.

Mumbai next face Salgaocar FC at home on January 24 while East Bengal take on traditional rivals Mohun Bagan in high-voltage derby clash on January 23.