Mohammedan SC head coach Andrey Chernyshov showered praise on team’s gutsy effort despite their 0-1 loss against defending champions Mumbai City FC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata in the ongoing Indian Super League 2024-25 on Sunday.

After a goalless first half, Mumbai City FC striker Vikram Partap Singh scored for the Islanders in the 49th minute. 

Meanwhile, Mohammedan SC had only 35% possession but they could not even attempt a solitary shot on target.

“We started very well. We were ready to play against a quality team. They are really very strong; they have many national team players from India, and they have so many experienced players, but I am very happy about my players. I want to tell them to thank you very much for that match because they fought, they ran, no one stopped, and they (the players) gave their all against this very experienced team,” Chernyshov stated at the post-match press conference.

Meanwhile, the home team was reduced to 10-man after Mohammed Irshad received two yellow cards in quick succession.

“But it’s very difficult to play with ten players. Then (we made) one mistake, and they used (that) mistake,” he added.

This loss was the fourth consecutive defeat for Mohammedan SC but the Russian manager is hopeful of turning a corner in the upcoming matches if they continue to work hard in practice.

“This team has a future if they continue to work like they are now in practice, in the matches, then the result will come. They are really good players. I’m so happy to work with them. And as I said before, our good time will come soon,” he opined.

“We need to win one match – this is now our first target, and then we will get this experience, and confidence, and then we start to think about our next target,” he commented.

Mohammedan SC will next take on Kerala Blasters FC on December 22 in Kochi.