The Islanders fielded an unchanged XI, while NorthEast United made three adjustments as both sides searched for early control. The visitors started brightly with good spells of possession but struggled to break through Mumbai’s disciplined backline.

Mumbai created the first clear chance when Chhangte’s powerful strike from distance was tipped over by Gurmeet Singh. Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Brandon Fernandes also tried their luck, while NorthEast responded through Jithin MS, who dragged an effort wide after a set-piece situation.

The first half ended without a goal despite promising moments from both teams.

NorthEast broke the deadlock just three minutes into the second half. A well-delivered free-kick from Andy Rodríguez caused confusion inside the box, and Jithin MS reacted sharply to fire a precise finish into the near post, handing the Highlanders a 1-0 lead.

The visitors continued to look dangerous from set-pieces, while Mumbai increased the tempo in search of an equaliser. Vikram Pratap Singh went close from distance, and Brandon saw an effort blocked as the Islanders pushed forward.

The breakthrough for Mumbai arrived in the 84th minute. Joni Kauko lifted a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Pereyra Díaz, whose shot was parried by Gurmeet. Chhangte was quickest to react, nodding home from close range to level the contest. The forward’s impact earned him the Player of the Match award.

Both sides had late opportunities to snatch victory, but neither could find the finishing touch. The match concluded 1-1, with the Islanders showing resilience to claw their way back into the contest.

After three gameweeks, Mohun Bagan Super Giant sit at the top with nine points, followed by Jamshedpur FC on goal difference. FC Goa and Mumbai City FC occupy third and fourth place respectively, both on seven points. Gameweek 4 kicks off on March 5, with East Bengal FC hosting FC Goa.

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The post Chhangte’s Late Heroics Earn Mumbai City a Point Against NorthEast appeared first on Football Counter.

The team, co-owned by Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor and Chartered Accountant Bimal Parekh, take on NorthEast United FC in their last league encounter in Guwahati on Wednesday night and they would know where their destiny lies before they take the field in the Assam capital.

Mumbai City FC are currently in seventh spot with 15 points and can make it to the last four only if they beat NorthEast United FC and FC Delhi Dynamos fail to beat leaders Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters and FC Pune City play out a draw.

These permutations and combinations notwithstanding, Mumbai City FC players would be determined to give their fans a reason to cheer at the end of a gruelling league stage that was marred by injuries to many ot their key players. That cost the team some valuable points in the middle stages of the league. But the team showed enough tenacity to hang on and a win over Atletico de Kolkata in the last encounter has ensured that they went into the final round with all to play for.

“Whatever the permutations and combinations, we want to focus on playing well against NorthEast United and get a win there. It is not going to be easy as we have our injury issues. Moritz, Anelka, Nabi, Asif, Ljungberg, are all injured. We just need to focus on going out there and play well,” Mumbai City FC coach Peter Reid said.

It is the last game of the ISL league stage and it would be a full house in Guwahati, a perfect setting for a great game of football.

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FC Goa coach and manager Zico

A. Zico- Well any game home or away is always difficult. All the teams are very good and clever. Even though we lost the last match, we are very relaxed and confident. We have many opportunities to win. We always try to win the match and we have come here to win the match. We played at home with our supporters supporting us. I hope that our team plays a wonderful match.

Q. How has the training been going on? Have there been any injuries?
A. Zico- Everyone is ok. All the 23 that have come are fit and ready to play.

Q. What is the condition of Andre Santos? Is there any chance that we will get to see him play?
A. Zico- Yes he is very well and ready to play.

Q. Holicharan Nazary played very well in the match against Chennaiyin FC. What do you have to say about him?
A. Zico- I hope he continues to play well in the future as well. I always give him an opportunity for him to play and he is well prepared for the game tomorrow.

Q. The North East United team has Miguel Garcia in the team. Are you looking forward to play against him and the team?
A. Miguel- He is very experienced player. But we are prepared for the game and play against the team

Q. Do you think ISL can really improve football?
A. Zico- Yes it can. If we contribute well it can definitely improve. There are great players who can help a lot in development of Indian football. I think every 15 Indian players that are there in each team have gotten the chance to play along side them and this can definitely help in the development of Indian football. And that is the reason why I am here.

The post North East United vs FC Goa pre match transcripts with FC Goa manager and chief coach, Zico and Miguel Herlein appeared first on Football Counter.