FC Goa fall short against Mumbai City FC in hard-fought ISL clash

PANAJI

FC Goa suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat against Mumbai City FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Saturday. Despite a spirited second-half performance and a goal from Armando Sadiku, the Gaurs could not overcome a two-goal deficit established in the first half.

Head coach Manolo Marquez made four changes to the starting XI from their previous 3-3 draw against NorthEast United FC, bringing in Jay Gupta, Rowllin Borges, Brison Fernandes, and Carl McHugh, while replacing Nim Dorjee, Sahil Tavora, Ayush Chhetri, and Dejan Drazic.

The Men in Orange began the match brightly, dominating the early exchanges, but some contentious officiating decisions left the home side frustrated. A foul on Borja Herrera just outside the Mumbai City box went unpunished, and a shirt pull on Sadiku during a corner was also overlooked.

Mumbai City FC capitalized on this in the 21st minute when Greek forward Nikolaos Karelis headed in a Yoell Van Nieff free-kick from an acute angle, giving the visitors the lead. FC Goa had a chance to respond quickly, but Sadiku’s close-range effort narrowly missed the target.

The Islanders doubled their advantage in the 40th minute through Van Nieff, who intercepted the ball from Carl McHugh and unleashed a powerful strike that beat goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani, extending their lead to 2-0 at halftime.

Emerging for the second half with renewed energy, FC Goa launched a series of attacks in search of a comeback. Their persistence paid off in the 55th minute when a foul on Sadiku by Hmingthanmawia led to a penalty. Sadiku stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, marking his fifth goal in four matches and cutting Mumbai's lead to one.

The Gaurs continued to press for an equalizer, and the Fatorda crowd erupted in the 69th minute when fan-favorite Iker Guarrotxena made his return from injury, replacing Carl McHugh. The Spaniard nearly scored in the 81st minute, but his shot drifted wide.

In the closing stages, Marquez opted for an all-out attack, bringing on Dejan Drazic for defender Odei Onaindia. Despite their efforts, the Men in Orange could not penetrate Mumbai City's defense, allowing the visitors to secure their first victory of the season and handing FC Goa their second loss.

Looking ahead, FC Goa will aim to bounce back when they travel to Chennai to face Chennaiyin FC next Thursday.