Mumbai FC, fresh from their victory over Vasco in Pune last week, were an inspired lot against their more fancied rivals, also on a high after winning the IFA Shield. Playing with coordination and combination, their attack, spearheaded by the dangerous Abhishek Yadav, was a constant threat to the Mahindra defence.

Former India captain Khalid Jamil, playing his first full match for Mumbai FC in a long time, set up the game's first goal in the 24th minute. Jamil's free kick initiated the goal with Yadav providing the finishing touch. A couple of minutes prior to this, Mumbai FC defender Romenjit Singh forced Nandy to block a 40-yard snap shot. Mahindra United tried hard to get into the game through Steven Dias and Sunil Kumar, but could not do much against the resilient Mumbai FC defence marshaled by Anas Edathadica, who was later adjudged the Nature Valley man of the match.

Mumbai FC went into the half time with a one-goal lead and emerged after the breather with the same commitment, which saw them increase their lead in the 55th minute.