Mumbai City FC clinched a last-minute winner against Kerala Blasters FC courtesy a well-taken goal by Tunisian striker Amine Chermiti at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Kochi on Thursday. The win also marked the Islanders’ first away victory over Kerala since the Hero ISL’s inception.

Speaking in an exclusive interview to indiansuperleague.com, Chermiti dedicated his goal to teammates Paulo Machado and Mato Grgic, who had to come off in the first-half after suffering injuries. Here are a few excerpts from the interview

Your thoughts on today's game?

I am so happy because this was my first game in the Hero ISL. It was my first goal as well, and the first three points for the team. I am very happy for the team. Also, for Paulo (Machado) and Mato (Grgic). My goal is a gift to them because of their injuries. We had some opportunities which we didn't use. We should have scored these. But we continued to believe in ourselves. It is not easy to play here, especially against a team who have one game behind them. They won the first game. We are happy about these 3 points, but tomorrow we must think about the next game.

Can you talk us through the goal?

It was a cross from the right side. I think I scored it with concentration.

Where do you think the team needs to improve?

It's a party for us tonight, but tomorrow, we must think about the next game. Every match is like a cup game. We must give our best to win all three points.

From the Kerala camp, Jessel Carneiro shared his thoughts in the post-match interview.

Thoughts on today’s match.

We tried our level best to score. But it didn’t happen. They managed to get a goal towards the end of the game. We tried our level best. We had our own tactics. Some worked, some didn’t work.

What are your takeaways from the match?

We will take positive things. We will check in the video sessions what we are lacking and how the goal was scored. If we see the mistakes, we can rectify them.

There was a lot of pressure on the defence, and team is new. Is the chemistry still not there?

Slowly, we are building it up. We will get to know each other. It’s just the start of the season. So, let’s see. It will come hopefully in the next game. We will try to be as positive as possible.

Anything for the fans who have supported you throughout?

I have respect for them. They come from very far and they support us throughout the league. I would like to thank them.

Read the Match Report here.