Ogbeche the difference as Mumbai City brush aside ATK Mohun Bagan challenge

Margao: Mumbai City FC asserted their dominance by beating ATK Mohun Bagan 1-0 in a hotly-contested Indian Super League match at the Fatorda Stadium here on Monday.

Mumbai City are now five points clear at the top of the standings over the second-placed Mariners right at the halfway stage of the league.

Bartholomew Ogbeche scored a 69th-minute stunner which was enough for the Islanders to get past their rivals and extended their unbeaten run to nine games. His goal was the first time that ATKMB conceded from open play this season. Sergio Lobera made two changes to Mumbai's eleven with Cy Goddard coming in for the suspended Ahmed Jahouh while Ogbeche was a surprise inclusion ahead of Adam Le Fondre. ATKMB coach Antonio Habas rang in three changes with Manvir Singh starting upfront. Glan Martins paired Javier Hernandez in the midfield with the latter making a comeback after last featuring against Odisha on December 3.

Mumbai City were dominant in the first session in terms of possession but despite some nervy moments in the game, ATKMB were lucky to walk into the breather on level terms.

The opening half was all about Mumbai's attack versus ATKMB's defence. But despite failing to register a single shot on target, the Mariners defended resolutely to keep the scoreline goalless.

Lobera's side forced an early scare on ATKMB's defence with their usual pace and high pressing game, creating an opportunity in the eighth minute.

Hernan Santana initiated the move and found Mandar Rao Dessai. The full-back kept his composure and squared the ball to Hugo Boumous, but the Frenchman's shot was straight at keeper Arindam

Bhattacharja.