Mumbai FC who played a more forceful game with long passes had the majority of the possession and had the first chance to forge ahead but Haroon Fakhruiddin’s 30-yard attempt missed the target.
In the 11th minute, however, Salgaocar midfielder Ryuji Sueoka went down the middle and essayed a through pass to Anthony Barbosa, whose curling shot beat goalkeeper Sanjiban Ghosh’s outstretched hands to find the far corner of the net.
Salgaocar, who suffered three striahgt defeats before Thursday’s match, had a chance to increase the lead in the 33rd minute but Sueoka’s right footer from the top of the box, after a pass from Tomba Singh, was parried over by ’keeper Sanjiban in the nick of time.
Mumbai FC, dominated the latter part of the first half and had the best chance to equalise in the 37th minute, but Ebi Sukore’s fierce shot was saved by keeper Karanjt Singh.
The visitors tried hard to find the equaliser but found man-of-the-match Karanjit in form after he tipped over a header from Haroon Fakhuddin early in the second half and also saved a penalty from substitute Abhishek Yadav. The striker was brought down by Luciano inside the box. Salgaocar moved up to eighth with six points from five matches while Mumbai, who suffered their fourth straight defeat, are 12th with three points from five.
Meanwhile, a brace from Ranti Martins helped Dempo to a 2-1 victory over strugglers Chirag United Kerala. Martins scored in the 14th and 45th minutes while the lone goal from Chirag came in courtesy Vineeth in the 62nd.
After the win Dempo, who have won all their five matches, lead the table with 15 points while Chirag are elevnth with three points.
In Imphal, Shillong Lajong played out a goalless draw with Air India.
