In a keenly contested encounter, Mumbai FC found a late equaliser to hold Air India to a 2-2 draw in a fifth round I-League match at the Cooperage ground on Wednesday.
Trailing 1-2 and with just a few minutes left for the final whistle, Mumbai FC earned a penalty when Harpreet Singh handled the ball inside the area. Veteran Noel Wilson successfully converted, firing high to the right of goalkeeper Arnab Das Sharma.
Air India, who scored first, should thank their stars that they were not reduced to 10 men thanks to ND Opara’s controversial goal.
In the 37th minute, Air India wingback Ravinder Singh laid a long aerial ball for Opara, who was heading towards the rival goal. With Mumbai FC’s Achaw following him, Opara flicked the ball with his left hand to beat his marker before slotting past Nidhinlal A. C. to the far corner.