Late drama at Fatorda as Mumbai City FC edge past 10 men FC Goa

by Suchit Halder November 25, 2020

94th minute penalty by Adam Le Fondre helps Mumbai City FC beat FC Goa in a closely fought game as Sergio Lobera’s men snatched all 3 points against his former team.

Late drama, battle, rivalry and verbal spats- everything expected from the game between FC Goa and Mumbai City FC was delivered on the pitch. Former Goa coach Sergio Lobera had the last laugh as Mumbai beat the Gaurs 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. 

The game was seen as a return for many of the former FC Goa players and coach Sergio Lobera, who joined the Islanders this season, back to Fatorda. The Gaurs dominated the first half with ball possession and fast paced attacks by their wingers. Despite some end to end football, poor finishing by strikers meant both teams failed to get a single shot on target in the first half. A rash tackle by Redeem Tlang around the 40th minute saw the winger shown a direct Red as Goa were down to 10 men.

FC Goa were expected to defend the entire second half and keep ball possession as much as possible. Much to our expectations, FC Goa were attacking the ball well and making regular runs ahead with the Gaurs getting the first shot on target. A long range effort by Edu Bedia came very close to giving the Goans the lead in the game. Mumbai goalkeeper Amrinder Singh denied the FC Goa captain with a strong hand to parry the short away from danger. Moments later, a cross from Lenny Rodrigues somehow fell on Ivan Gonzalez’s feet, which was shot firmly by the defender towards the goal. Amrinder was once again quick with his reflexes and produced a sharp save.

For Mumbai City, Hugo Boumous came close with a long range effort which was saved by Mohammad Nawaz. The strike by Hugo was also the first shot on target for the Islanders this season. Mumbai’s closest chance came in the 75th minute as Adam Le Fondre drilled a shot across from the right side, however Mandar Rao Desai’s shot went over the bar.

Final drama took place in the 94th when Le Fondre’s cross from right was  found by Bipin Singh who headed the ball towards the 6 yard box in the penalty area and the ball hit Lenny’s left arm. A clear visual for the referee did not create any confusion and Mumbai were awarded the penalty. A strong right footed shot was drilled in the bottom right corner of the goal as it brushed passed Nawaz’s hands. 

FC Goa fought very hard to earn themselves a point from the game after going one man down late in the first half, but Mumbai snatched it away from them in the final minutes. As always told, football is a game of surprises and can be cruel sometimes.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: Lobera returns to face familiar faces as Mumbai City FC take on FC Goa tomorrow

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