Mumbai City FC edged out ONGC 2-1 in their final friendly at the Cooperage yesterday before their Indian Super League opener against Atletico de Kolkata on Sunday at Kolkata&rsquo;s Salt Lake Stadium.
<img title="Mumbai City FC's Lalrindika Ralte" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2014/dec/Ralte0810.jpg" alt="Mumbai City FC's Lalrindika Ralte" /> Mumbai City FC's Lalrindika Ralte (left) scores against ONGC at Cooperage yesterday. Pic/Atul Kamble.
The game was lit up by a Lalrindika Ralte stunner in the first half before defender Peter Costa doubled Mumbai&rsquo;s advantage in the second. The Mumbai team, however, failed to close out the game and conceded a late own goal through Rohit Mirza.
The Mumbai side were without marquee player Freddie Ljungberg, who is suffering a niggle in his hamstring, former Germany defender Manuel Friedrich and India goalkeeper Subrata Pal, who was away on national duty.
Ljungberg&rsquo;s injury might further hamper the Mumbai side&rsquo;s opening ISL encounter given they are already without star striker Nicolas Anelka, who is serving a three-match for his controversial Quenelle salute in the English Premier League while playing for West Bromwich Albion last season.
In the absence of Ljungberg, the attention of the 100-odd people, who turned up for the encounter, was focused on Anelka. The Frenchman had a quiet night though, often dropping back to build up attacks from the midfield with long balls over the heads of opposition defenders.
The former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Arsenal man&rsquo;s display though was overshadowed by Ralte&rsquo;s left-footed volley from outside the box. Mumbai City FC had good reason to be pleased with the result.
&ldquo;We were wary of playing ONGC. They have a strong side, probably the best team we have played so far. This game was a good test for our foreigners. ONGC was,&rdquo; said India player Syed Rahim Nabi.

Mumbai FC City striker scores fine left-footed volley as ISL outfit&nbsp;edged out ONGC 2-1 in their final friendly at the Cooperage yesterday before their Indian Super League opener against Atletico de Kolkata on Sunday

ISL friendly: Mumbai FC's Lalrindika Ralte lights up Cooperage

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Mumbai FC City striker scores fine left-footed volley as ISL outfit&nbsp;edged out ONGC 2-1 in their final friendly at the Cooperage yesterday before their Indian Super League opener against Atletico de Kolkata on Sunday

ISL friendly: Mumbai FC's Lalrindika Ralte lights up Cooperage

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Home / Sports / Football / Article / ISL friendly: Mumbai FC's Lalrindika Ralte lights up Cooperage

ISL friendly: Mumbai FC's Lalrindika Ralte lights up Cooperage

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