In a captivating display of resilience and determination, Mumbai City FC rallied from behind to snatch a hard-fought 3-2 victory over FC Goa in the first leg of their Indian Super League semifinal clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday. Despite conceding an early goal to the hosts, Mumbai remained composed and relentless in their pursuit of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the final quarter of the match when they netted three crucial goals, including a stoppage-time winner, to secure a vital advantage heading into the second leg.
The match began with Goa dictating the pace and applying pressure on Mumbai’s defense. Their attacking strategy revolved around the skillful Noah Sadaoui, who posed a constant threat to the Islanders’ backline. Mumbai, on the other hand, relied on the pace and creativity of Vikram Partap Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte to create scoring opportunities.
Goa’s persistence paid off in the 16th minute when Seriton Fernandes orchestrated a brilliant move, culminating in Boris Singh tapping the ball into the net with ease. Mumbai, however, refused to be deterred and continued to probe the Goa defense. Their efforts were rewarded in the 27th minute when Chhangte selflessly set up Thaer Krouma for a shot on goal. Although Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem produced a stunning save to deny Mumbai the equalizer, the Islanders remained upbeat and continued to search for an opening.
The second half began with Mumbai intensifying their attacking efforts, eager to level the score. However, Goa’s defense remained resolute, and it was the Gaurs who extended their lead in the 56th minute. Brandon Fernandes capitalized on a mistake by Mehtab Singh, unleashing a superb curling shot into the far corner, leaving Mumbai goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa with no chance.
As the minutes ticked away, Goa appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable victory, but Mumbai had other plans. Chhangte ignited the comeback in the 90th minute, coolly slotting the ball past Goa goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh. Galvanized by this breakthrough, Mumbai pressed forward with renewed vigor and found the equalizer through Vikram, who pounced on a rebound to score in the dying moments of the match.
Incredibly, Mumbai was not done yet. In the seventh minute of stoppage time, Chhangte once again played a pivotal role, combining with Jayesh Rane before firing the ball into the net, completing a remarkable turnaround and handing Mumbai a priceless 3-2 victory.
This hard-fought triumph gives Mumbai City FC a crucial advantage as they prepare to host FC Goa in the second leg of the semifinal at the Mumbai Football Arena on April 29. The Islanders’ ability to dig deep and secure a comeback victory is a testament to their unwavering spirit and determination, setting the stage for an enthralling conclusion to this high-stakes semifinal clash.
