Allan valentino d’cruz
allan@herald-goa.com
FATORDA: Igor Angulo struck against his former club, not once but twice on his debut for Mumbai City FC to pierce the hearts of the Goan fans helping his side to kick off their title defence with an effortless 3-0 win over FC Goa at Nehru Stadium Fatorda, on Monday.
The Spaniard scored his first from the spot (33’) and second with a quality finish (36’) before Ygor Catatau (73’) also got on the scoresheet.
FC Goa enjoyed better possession, registered higher passes and including touches as well successful passes, but what they lacked were the shots on target as their former keeper Mohammad Nawaz had a rather easy outing on his debut for the Islanders.
Mumbai City were deservingly ahead in the game in the first half and despite enjoying almost equal ball possession to that of FC Goa, the Islanders had four shots on target off which they managed to put two at the back of the net.
The Islanders made their intent clear, early on, with a dominating display and were unlucky not to get a penalty when Leander D’Cunha caught the ankle of Vignesh Dakshinamurthy in the area. Vignesh, however, had to be replaced by Mohamad Rakip.
FC Goa had a great chance to break the deadlock after Glan Martins won a duel against Mumbai City defender and squared to an unmarked Airan Cabrera, who failed miserably in front of the goal.
Mumbai City FC got a chance when Cassio Gabriel was tripped inside the area by Ivan Gonzalez. This time the referee pointed straight to the spot. Igor Angulo didn’t disappoint and coolly slammed the ball in the right corner.
Igor had three shots on target in the first half and from his third attempt at goal, the striker scored his second of the day. Rayner Fernandes threaded in a low pass and the striker showed his class with a superb left foot control before firing a low shot past Dheeraj from the edge of the box.
FC Goa would have been in trouble, but Rayner, who had just Dheeraj to beat, aimed at the crossbar and the rebound was collected by the keeper.
FC Goa coach Juan Ferrando made early changes in the second half which helped the side put up an improvised performance. There were chances created through Edu Bedia and Jorge Ortiz, however, neither could test their former teammate Mohammad Nawaz who had an easy outing on return to Fatorda.
Mumbai coach Des Buckingham made tactical changes in the 73rd minute making triple substitutions and the move paid immediate dividends as Islanders scored their third within three minutes. Ahmed Jahouh’s perfectly taken free kick was guided in by Ygor Catatau at the bear post, which took the arm of the keeper Dheeraj but failed to keep it out.
