Mumbai City FC Secure Solid Win Over FC Goa

The games come thick and fast in the ISL and coach Zico conceded that a few of his players weren’t in the best condition to play against Mumbai City FC, but Zico was pleased with the mental & physical fitness of those who are ready to play.

In the following minute, Moura’s shot from the edge of the box was palmed away by the Mumbai goalkeeper before Jonatan Lucca’s ball across the face of goal then evaded everyone as Goa continued to look for a way back into the game.

FC Goa, who could have gone four points into the lead, at the top of the table with a win in this match, are still sitting on the top of the league, but could go down, if FC Pune City win their match against Kerala Blasters FC, on Tuesday.

Mumbai City FC had a penalty shout turned down when Piquionne, attempting to reach a ball from a corner, appeared to have gone down in the box from a challenge by Greogory Arnolin.

Mumbai kept their game plan of attacking from the flanks, Norde on the left and Gabriel Fernandes on the right. Gaikwad got a yellow for his troubles, and should have considered himself lucky as many other referees would not have hesitated to brandish a red, seeing that it was a clear goal scoring opportunity. In the 32nd minute, Fernandes made an excellent run down the wing and floated a ball in for Piquionne. Chhetri said more than the goals he had scored, he was happy with the team’s approach and fighting spirit.

It was a crucial win for Mumbai, who were struggling at the bottom of the league, and now have been able to haul themselves out to within two points of the top-four of the table. An Ashutosh throw-in from right saw the striker turn Pronay brilliantly before unleashing a fierce left-footed shot from outside the box on the volley. The Haitian was in a good position to pull the trigger but took it too wide which narrowed the angle for the shot which was saved by Kattimani. Chhetri put Frederic Piquionne through on goal and the forward had to just the ‘keeper to beat. But the Frenchman miscued his shot and hit it straight to the custodian. Piquionne made up for his mistake in the 48th minute, though. And just like that, Mumbai took control of the game, and Goa never really recovered.

Mumbai City FC’s first threatening moment came in the 13th minute. Norde stood over the ball and, when everyone was expecting him to shoot or lift in a cross, gave a short pass to Juan Aguilera who lifted in a cross into the heart of an unprepared Goa defence.

Moulded in Zico’s image, FC Goa has earned a reputation for playing freeflowing, graceful football. Both Chennaiyin and NorthEast United have also been fined Rs 50,000 each for misconduct towards the opponent team during this match.