FC Goa suffered a shocking 2-3 loss despite dominating their first-leg semi-finals against Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League 2023-24 at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Wednesday.
Boris Singh (16th minute) and Brandon Fernandes (56th minute) scored for the home team, before Lallianzuala Chhangte netted twice and Vikram Partap Singh added a third for the Islanders – all in stoppage time as the season record turn-out of over 17,000 shocked spectators went mute and pin-drop silence descended on what was an electrifying atmosphere at the 19,000-capacity stadium.
FC Goa drew first blood when Mohammad Yasir brilliantly capitalised on a defensive error made by Mumbai’s Mehtab Singh, as he latched on to a loose ball with a superb first-touch and stormed into the visitors’ penalty box. The Indian international then made a well-timed pass across the goal that deceived goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa, who probably anticipated a shot and hence guarded the near post. The ball found its way to Boris, who then had the easy job of directing it into an empty net.
After a first half where they continued their domination, it took only nine minutes after the change of ends for FC Goa to double their lead through Brandon. The Gaurs’ skipper intercepted a pass from a Mumbai player and left defenders trailing as he set off on a marauding run, before firing home a delightful volley from the top of the penalty area to double their advantage. Mumbai City, in response, did attack the Goan goal but the Gaurs defence held on compact while goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh also looked set to complete a flawless performance.
However, after the 90th minute the match turned on its head as Goa’s fort was first breached by Chhangte, who beat goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh from close range, and Vikram Partap equalised only a minute later. With just seconds remaining for the full-time whistle, Chhangte broke the hearts of FC Goa fans again.
In the post-match press conference, FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez emphasised that the boys failed to show the mentality to manage the games like this.
The Men in Orange will now hope to bounce back and defeat Petr Kratky’s side in the away-leg on Monday. The Mumbai City coach is aware of the quality of their rivals and hinted that his team will gear up to fight it out with a winning mentality.
Earlier, the day began with huge promise as FC Goa fans thronged to the Fatorda Stadium in big numbers hours before the kick-off as the Gaurs had made it to the semi-finals after a gap of two seasons. Here is the build-up –
