Mumbai City FC held NorthEast United FC to a 1-1 draw in the last league stage game of the Hero Indian Super League. Koke’s first-half penalty for the Highlanders was cancelled out by Sushil Singh’s header in the second half.The first half began on an even keel, with both teams taking turns enjoying possession. The home side, however, looked the more enterprising. Koke's second minute free kick was flicked on for Joan Capdevila at the far post, but the Spanish World Cup winner somehow failed to direct his header past Mumbai keeper Subrata Paul. Mumbai’s Sushil Singh had the next chance, stealing the ball from Kondwani Mtonga and shooting at goal, but his tame effort was easily saved by Rehenesh. Lalrindika Ralte also had a long-range volley dip viciously, but it just evaded the goal. It was the home side who finally managed to take the lead though when Tomáš Josl was brought down by Deepak Mandal in the box. The referee pointed to the spot immediately and Koke stepped up to wrong-foot Paul and give the Highlanders the lead. They managed to hold on to the lead till the break.Mumbai City head coach Peter Reid rung the changes at halftime, taking off Subrata Paul and Deepak Mandal for Andre Pereira and Lalrin Fela, handing the duo their ISL debuts. Despite needing an equaliser, Mumbai remained on the back foot for major periods of the second half. Josl looked lively for the home side. He missed a one-on-one, and then played in Massamba Lô Sambou with a delightful lob over the defence, but the Senegalese couldn't head past the keeper.Mumbai began to get a stronger foothold in the game as it progressed. Tiago Ribeiro was the most influential player for the away side as he threatened repeatedly. They finally got their equaliser in the 71st minute when Ribeiro played a short corner to Štohanzl, whose cross was met by Sushil in the box, the Manipuri striker heading past a gritty Rehenesh.Both teams looked for the winner in the dying minutes and both were guilty of missing open chances to put their side ahead, and Ralte also saw a rasping shot clip the woodwork. The game ultimately ended all square. NorthEast United finished at the bottom of the pack with the draw, while Mumbai ended their campaign in seventh place.Match awardsHero of the Match: Koke (NorthEast United FC) (Watch here)Swift Moment of the Match: Rehenesh TP (NorthEast United FC) (Watch here)Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Pavel Čmovš (Mumbai City FC)ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Sushil Kumar Singh (Mumbai City FC) (Watch here)Click here to watch photo gallery and match highlights
