ISL: Fall’s double hands Goa big win vs Mumbai in semis
MUMBAI: At first it looked like Mumbai City FC had figured out how to suppress FC Goa’s attacking threat but the visitors gradually tightened their grip on the match to win 5-1 in the first leg of the Indian Super League’s second semi-final on Saturday.
While Goa astutely put away their chances, Mumbai’s cause wasn’t helped by sloppy defence.
Goa in their pomp are difficult to defend against but Mumbai’s surge to the semi-final has been built on a solid defence. That foundation looked solid at the start but wore out, especially after Rafael Bastos gave them the lead in the 20th minute.
Thereafter, it was Goa all the way.
They drew level in the 31st minute when a Ferran Corominas shot from outside the box was spilled by Mumbai custodian Amrinder Singh into the path of Jackichand Singh, who smashed home. Eight minutes later, Brandon Fernandes’ corner was headed towards the far post by Edu Bedia and the unmarked Mourtada Fall headed in, putting Goa 2-1 up.
Mumbai had their chances towards the end of first half but Goa keeper Naveen Kumar showed quick reflexes to deny Subhasish Bose and Modou Sougou’s strike was ruled offside.
The second half was one-way traffic as Mumbai lost shape and focus chasing the game. And Goa ruthlessly exploited the space.
Seriton Fernandes linked well on the right with Jackichand, whose inch perfect pass was converted by an unmarked Corominas -- his 16th goal of the season.
The goal knocked the wind out of Mumbai sails. Fall headed in his second goal, the team’s fourth, in the 58th minute.
Mumbai had their chances but Matias Mirajabe’s strike was saved by Naveen and Lucian Goian’s header was inches wide.
Brandon Fernandes rounded it off as Goa take four away goals into the second leg.
If not for the post denying Jackichand and a brilliant save off Lenny Rodrigues by Amrinder, Goa could have had seven.
It would have fulfilled the wishes of their fans, who kept reminding the Mumbai fans they had lost 7-0 over two league games.