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PANJIM: There couldn’t be any better script than this! FC Goa had six shots on target while Mumbai City FC had none! But FC Goa’s wait for the Indian Super League crown continues after their exit in the semi-finals for fourth’s time in seven seasons losing out 5-6 in sudden death against Mumbai City FC, at GMC Stadium, Bambolim.
None would deny the best team lost the match.
When the match headed into tie-breaker after a barren 120 minutes, Juan Ferrando made a tactical change bringing on Naveen Kumar in the shootout. FC Goa’s who were the better side in the 120 minute of football had a poor start in the shootout. Edu Bedia and Brandon Fernandes both missed the first two spot kicks putting Goa on the back foot, but then Naveen came to the side’s rescue with some brilliant saves denying Hugo Boumous, Hernan Santana and even Ahmed Jahouh to put them in drivers seat. However, Goa failed to to take advantage in the sudden death with Martins missing the frame.
FC Goa should have finished the game in regular time. They created chances, they took their opportunities, they were on target! But what stopped them from scoring was Mumbai City FC keeper Amrinder Singh.
The custodian was outstanding throughout the game. Alberto Noguera, Saviour Gama, Jorge Ortiz, Edu Bedia and even Ishan Pandita — all tried some brilliant goal scoring attempts but Amrinder was in no mode to let them score.
Goa were nearly gifted a goal in the AET when Hernan Santan gifted a back pass to Ishan Pandita, but Amrinder was alert to move out of his line to clear the ball which took Ishan’s deflection and went out for a goal kick.
In the shootout, both coaches made tactical change bringing on their second keepers where both custodians had their moments. But for FC Goa, their shooters failed to keep their efforts in frame.
