Kerala Blasters FC head coach Mikael Stahre admitted that Mumbai City FC were the deserving winners after their 4-2 loss in the Indian Super League at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai on Sunday. 

Nikos Karelis continued his good form for the Islanders, scoring in the ninth minute to put his team in front. The Greek footballer then doubled the team’s lead in the 55th minute.

However, Jesus Jimenez got one back for the Yellow Tuskers in the 57th minute as he scored from a spot kick. Kwame Peprah then equalized for the visitors in the 71st minute. 

Rodrigues then once again put the defending champions in front as he scored in the 75th minute whereas Chhangte scored from a penalty in the final minute of the game.

“They came out really well. They performed poor and we were not aggressive and stable enough in the first part of the game. They came out aggressive and good and scored the first goal,” Stahre said in the post-match press conference.

“We reacted at half time, making changes, some tactical adjustments. We conceded that penalty quite fast in the second half as well and then we bounced back really well and I’m proud of that comeback in the game. We scored first, 2-1 from a penalty and afterwards we equalised to make it 2-2. The feeling in that moment I think everyone thought that the momentum was towards us but unfortunately, we got a red card and we made a few mistakes. We conceded from a corner kick and penalty again few minutes later. I think we fought well until the last second,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kwame Peprah was sent off after he received a second yellow card for excessive celebration in the 72nd minute.

“Mumbai City FC deserved the win. But I’m really disappointed. We should have stayed (in the game). We have to learn from crucial moment of the game. Obviously, we have to not put ourselves in trouble with fouls, yellow and red cards,” he said.

Kerala Blasters FC will next take on Hyderabad FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on Thursday.