IFA Shield: Yakubu double sees United SC pip MFC

Yusif Yakubu struck twice in the second-half to help United Sports Club make a stunning comeback and beat Mumbai FC 3-2 in a 116th IFA Shield fixture at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Wednesday.

The win enabled United SC to climb to the top of Group D and brighten their semi-final prospects, while Mumbai FC made an exit.

Mumbai FC led 1-0 at halftime with a 25th minute strike by Gbeneme Friday as the home side struggled to convert their chances in the first 45 minutes.

But all the action was confined to second-half that saw four goals including the double by the Ghanaian veteran.

United SC regrouped themselves after the changeover with Denson Devadas earning a 70th minute equaliser, while Yakubu struck in the 77th minute to trail past Mumbai.

But Mumbai FC struck back through C Malswamkima to make it 2-2 with 10 minutes to go.

Man-of-the-match Yakubu sealed the issue for United SC in the 87th minute with his second goal from a Mohammad Rafique pass to earn a memorable win for the home outfit.

United now have three points, while Aryan and Mumbai FC have one each in Group D.

United will take on Aryan on March 10 to decide on semifinalists from the group.