THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: FC Goa had their vital players missing the game due to suspension. There were injury concerns. But the determination shown by the young players was possibly more than what they could have given in their thrilling 2-2 draw against Mumbai City FC in the first leg semi-finals of the Indian Super League at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.
While Goa took the lead twice through Igor Angulo and Saviour Gama, Both the goals were cancelled out by their former teammates — Hugo Boumous and Mourtada Fall.
With Seriton Fernandes being subbed off early in the game, Leander D’Cunha got his first start of the league.
With the two most attacking and possession based team clashing the match lived-up to the expectations with action packed first 45 minutes. It was an end-to-end affair but the Gaurs were more threatening in the opening minutes.
Saviour Gama forced the first save from Amrinder Singh at the first post in the fifth minute. Then it was Jesuraj Alexander and Ortiz who troubled Mumbai with their pace and dribbling.
FC Goa had a penalty appeal turned down when it looked like Jesuraj was pulled by Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, but the referee decided to continue with the play.
Within minutes former FC Goa skipper Mandar Rao Dessai tripped Ortiz in the box, and this time the referee didn’t hesitate to point towards the spot. Igor Angulo scored his 14th of the season sending the keeper in the wrong direction.
Mumbai’s Bartholomew Ogbeche had a series of chances in the first session. He had a shot at goal with just the keeper and then he flicked a header off Bipin’s cross, but both his on target efforts were brilliantly saved by Dheeraj.
It was former FC Goa player Hugo Boumous who silenced the Goan camp. Jahouh played a quick free-kick to Boumous, who was lucky to get the ball back from a deflection and struck a low shot. This time Dheeraj couldn’t keep it out.
Mumbai showed no signs of relaxation and kept pressing at the other end, Dheeraj was undeniably having his best game so far in the league. The custodian threw his body on line to deny Fall from scoring.
FC Goa regained their lead scoring through Saviour Gama, whose low left footer sneaked into the far post. But the joy was short-lived as Mumbai restored parity in the next minute. Once again, two former FC Goa players combined for the goal as Jahouh sent a perfect delivery in the box to an unmarked Mourtada Fall. The last named pocketed the header at the far post, giving no chance for Dheeraj.
Fall was lucky only to receive a yellow for his stud up challenge on Princeton in stoppage time.
SF-2, 1st Leg: NorthEast Utd v ATKMB, at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, at 7:30 p.m.
