A powerful attacking display by FC Goa saw them beat Mumbai City FC 5-2 in a crucial Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 tie at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Wednesday. The result took the Gaurs three points clear of ATK FC at the top of the points table, while for Mumbai, it was a big blow to their top four ambitions. Goa’s victory also means Bengaluru FC become the third team to qualify for the semi-finals this season.

The home team were on the front foot right from the kick-off and saw an early penalty appeal turned down. Most of Mumbai’s early chances, meanwhile, came from set pieces with Goa centre back Mourtada Fall needing to make some crucial interventions to avert dangerous situations.

It was the Islanders who drew first blood in the 18th minute. After a scramble in the Goa penalty box, the ball fell to Subhasish Bose, who cut it back for an onrushing Rowllin Borges, whose deflected shot wrong-footed Mohammad Nawaz and nestled into the back of the goal, silencing the Fatorda crowd.

The shock was, however, momentary as Goa drew level just two minutes later. Hugo Boumous cushioned down Jackichand Singh’s cross with his head and Ferran Corominas was in the right place at the right time to slot past Amrinder Singh. The quick flurry of goals opened up the game with both teams launching attacks and counter attacks in succession.

Goa made it 2-1 in the 38th minute from a corner. The Mumbai defence was guilty of letting the ball bounce and Boumous was waiting at the far post to head it home. Seconds later, the Gaurs struck again. Coro drove with the ball and played in Jacki down the right. The winger finished brilliantly from a tight angle to double the home side’s advantage.

The half ended on a frantic note, with both sides getting multiple chances to score but the half ended with the Gaurs 3-1 up.

Looking for a strong response after the restart, the Islanders started the second half with a lot of intent, overloading the Goa box and created a few dangerous opportunities early on. Nawaz, with assistance from his defence, did well to see off the early onslaught. The Islanders, however, found a way through in the 57th minute as Bipin Singh’s shot took a deflection and went in.

Goa could have restored their two-goal advantage almost immediately after but Jacki scuffed his shot wide after being set free down the right. Around the hour mark, Nawaz was forced to make two crucial saves to keep out Rowllin and Modou Sougou to protect Goa’s slender lead.

With ten minutes to go for regulation time, Coro took the sting off Mumbai’s fightback with Goa’s fourth after a lovely one-two move with Boumous. Six minutes later Lenny Rodrigues’ attempted cross was turned into his own goal by Mumbai’s Mohammed Rafique as the score read 5-2 and it stayed the same till the final whistle.

Hero of the Match – Ferran Corominas

The Gaurs’ talisman scored a brace and set up one in Goa’s convincing win on the night. His link-up play with teammate Hugo Boumous was also a constant threat for the Islanders’ backline. He was named the Hero of the Match.

AWARDS

Club Award – FC Goa

Maruti Suzuki Limitless Player of the Match – Hugo Boumous

DHL Winning Pass of the Match – Ferran Corominas

ISL Emerging Player of the Match – Bipin Singh

Hero of the Match – Ferran Corominas

Watch the match highlights here:

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FC GoaMumbai City FC Match 80, FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC - 20192019-2020Match Report