Kochi, Oct. 25 -- Kerala Blasters FC and Mumbai City FC played out a goalless draw in the Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday.
The hosts were looking to bounce back from a 4-1 defeat to NorthEast United FC, while Mumbai City FC arrived after a 1-1 draw with Punjab FC.
Amrinder Singh produced a sharp reflex save to deny PN Noufal from the six-yard box, Akash Mishra's header struck the woodwork, and Mohammed Sanan
missed the target by inches after a mazy run.
Neither side could find the breakthrough, and the points were shared.
Both teams took the field under pressure and Kerala Blasters had the first clear opening
in the 11th minute with Sanan causing problems for the Mumbai City defence through a series of dangerous crosses.
One such delivery found Hormipam Ruivah amid a scramble inside the six-yard box but his effort struck the side netting.
The Blasters continued to press high, dominate possession and push for the opener, while Mumbai City initially struggled to string passes together and make inroads into the final third.
Mumbai City came close to scoring their first open-play goal of the season in the 23rd minute.
Muhammed
Ajsal showed great strength to bring Carlos Delgado's lobbed pass under control and
drive into the box before delivering a cross from deep towards Noufal in the six-yard area.
Noufal struck firmly with his right foot, but Amrinder Singh produced an excellent save to deny the visitors.
Mumbai City made their first change in the 39th minute, bringing on Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung for Leandro Otormin.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.