It took only one moment of indecision by Mumbai FC goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey to allow a rusty Air India to snatch a point and keep themselves floating above the relegation zone after a 17th round I-League encounter at Cooperage on Saturday.

Mumbai FC were cruising 1-0 until the 63rd minute when Chaubey failed to commit himself to Michael Tayo's ball from long range. The cross into the Mumbai FC box caught him in double minds and Emanuelle Ovieghara's soft header put the ball past Chaubey to restore parity for the airmen.

This was Ovieghara's first goal of the season. But coach Bimal Ghosh will consider himself lucky to gain a point from this match after his boys failed to have even one good look at the rival goal.

Mumbai FC dominated the proceedings right from the whistle. A Kalia Kulothungan header gave the I-League debutants a much deserved lead in the 38th minute from a Felix Aboagye cross.

But they paid the price for not converting the chances that came their way and had to be content with a point that sees them above Dempo to fourth (24 points). Dempo still have a game in hand and will take on Mohun Bagan on Sunday. Air India (19 points) too move one place up, above local rivals Mahindra United to seventh.

"We should have won this match, there is no doubting that. And we deserved it. Poor finishing let us down," said Mumbai FC coach David Booth.

EB rally to draw 2-2

In an exciting Kolkata derby clash East Bengal scored in quick successions to come from behind and hold Mohammedan Sporting 2-2 in another 17th round clash at the Salt Lake stadium on Saturday.

Mihir Vasavda DNA