Another last minute disappointment for USFC

CLUB SURRENDERS 2-1 LEAD FOR A DRAW AGAINST MUMBAI FC
GANGTOK, 09 Jan: It was again a big disappointment for the United Sikkim Football Club and its fans as it had to console itself with another draw against Mumbai FC in a match it looked set to win today.
The match had almost ended with the home team leading 2-1 when an experienced Yusif Yakubu scored the equalizer for Mumbai FC with only 40 seconds left of the 5-minute injury time of the match at Paljor stadium today. The match ended with the score of 2-2 with both the teams sharing a point each. USFC is still in the last position with its 10 points now, while Mumbai FC now has 20 points.
Desperate for a win, the home team gave it its best today, but squandered some golden chances which forced them to settle for a last-minute draw.
Mumbai FC took the lead early with a goal by Yusif Yakubu in the 10th minute itself.
In response, the home team came back strong when Nadong Bhutia scoring the equalizer in the 15th minute which was quickly followed up by another goal from USFC’s Linekar Machado the very next minute. The home club finished the first half with a 2-1 lead.
In the second half, the home team played well and dominated possession but could not register any more goals. The match almost looked like it would end in favor of the home club when Yusif Yakubu scored his brace and equalizer for Mumbai FC in the dying seconds of the injury time.
Yusif Yakubu was awarded with the Man of the Match title.
Addressing the post match press conference, Mumbai FC manager, Henry Picardo stated, “The team fought well till the last minute of the match and we are happy to return with a point. USFC played better than it had played earlier in Pune but still some immaturity can be seen in their players”.
Mr Picardo pointed out that the weather conditions today were totally different and against the team as it has never played in such cold condition. “We could have played better,” he commented. Speaking on Yakubu’s performance, he said that Yakubu was one of the more experienced players in the team and the right person to guide the young players of the club.
“Even after all the hard work put in by our players, this draw is a big disappointment for us”, said USFC coach, Nathan Hall. He added that being last in the I-League rankings the home club is playing better than even the top teams but the results are somehow always not going in their favour.
“In today’s match we could have scored more if we had not missed some golden opportunities. Now we have some tough away matches against good clubs but if we play with the same spirit and energy we can do better”, the USFC coach further added.