Kerala Blasters FC head coach Mikael Stahre rued his side’s defensive mistakes after they suffered a defeat to Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday.

Nikolaos Karelis netted a brace to put MCFC ahead but the Blasters hit back through goals from Jesus Jimenez in the second half. However, Mumbai City FC displayed their resilience as they netted two goals in the final quarter of the game to bag all three points.

Stahre was unhappy with the way his side conceded the opener and the two goals by Mumbai City FC after they had equalised.

“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,” he 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.

This was Mumbai City FC’s first home win of the season while the Blasters suffered their third defeat of the season.

Peprah had brought them back in the game but was soon sent off after receiving a yellow card which compounded their woes at the death. The Blasters gave away another penalty in the 90th minute which sealed their fate, leading to their second straight defeat. Stahre encouraged his side to manage game situations better.

“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.