Mumbai start ISL title defence in style
MARGAO: Spanish striker Igor Angulo struck twice in the space of three minutes as Mumbai City FC began their Indian Super League title defence in style with 3-0 win against FC Goa here on Monday.
Angulo continued from where he left last season with a fine outing, though against his former side, as he scored in the 33rd (penalty) and 36 minutes to help Mumbai City FC begin their campaign on a winning note. Brazilian Ygor Catatau (76th) then celebrated his ISL debut within minutes of stepping onto the pitch, closing the match for the City Football Group-owned club in their season opener.
Des Buckingham, on his first match as head coach on Indian soil, showed off Mumbai City’s summer signings in the starting XI. Apuia, Mohammad Nawaz, Rahul Bheke, and Cassio Gabriel all started alongside Angulo. FC Goa’s replacement for Angulo, Airam Cabrera, led the line for the Gaurs. Brandon Fernandes remained unavailable for selection due to injury.
There was drama early on with Leander D’Cunha let off for what looked like a possible foul inside the box for tripping down Vignesh Dakshinamurthy. The Mumbai City wing-back had to be subbed off in pain.
The game opened up after the half-hour cooling break. Gabriel received a cross with Ivan Gonzalez looking to clear. He brought himself between the ball and the FC Goa player and Ivan’s mistimed tackle led to a penalty kick. Angulo converted the spotkick with glee, beating old teammate Dheeraj Singh, who otherwise had a decent night.
Minutes later, it was time for Raynier Fernandes to turn provider. A sharp turn in midfield led to the ball played through for Angulo.
The Spaniard took a deft touch, rushed past the defenders, and shot fiercely as the ball went into the net past Dheeraj’s right. Mumbai City could have had a third before the break only for Raynier’s shot to be stopped by the crossbar. Big-money signing Apuia controlled the midfield with ease.