All-Indian scorecard and other talking points from ISL semi-final between FC Goa and Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City FC put up a late show to win the first leg of this ISL semi-final.

FC Goa and Mumbai City FC played out yet another classic in the ISL, that had an abundance of drama and action, filled with surprises at every end.

Goa were resolute almost throughout the game, and were in a comfortable position heading into the second leg. But a surprising and shocking turnaround by Peter Kratky’s men, saw them score three goals in the dying moments, to complete arguably the best comeback in ISL history. 

With plenty of narratives having been unfolded across the span of the last 90 minutes, let us take a look at some of the top ones. 

5. All-Indian scorecard

With a full time score of 2-3, the fixture between FC Goa and Mumbai City FC saw five gracious goals being scored, all of which were netted and assisted by Indians. Boris Singh and Brandon Fernandes came up with the goods for Goa, whereas Vikram Partap Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte were the goal-scorers for the visitors. 

Jayesh Rane and Mohammad Yasir came up with the assists, compiling an amazing all-Indian scoresheet, giving a strong testament of the strong impact made by domestic players, in the success of their respective teams.

4. Blistering Brandon strikes again

In the 56th minute of the game, Brandon Fernandes received the ball midway through Mumbai’s half, from whereon he carried the ball forward, and made an angle for himself, and BOOM. The aftermath was an eruption across the Fatorda Stadium, which was shell-shocked by the amazing goal it had just witnessed. 

This goal marks Brandon’s third in his last three outings, all of which have been absolute beauties. 

The midfielder’s impeccable form is a positive sign for the Gaurs, and will play a huge role in their efforts for a comeback in Mumbai.

3. Chhangte and Rane save the day for Mumbai

Mumbai were at rock bottom until the 90th minute. With two goals down, the Islanders were staring at a difficult comeback at home, only for Lallianzuala Chhangte and Jayesh Rane to play out their magic, and save Mumbai from the depth of their ruins. 

Rane played out an inch perfect through ball to Chhangte, to break an almost impenetrable FC Goa backline, and got the Blues something to cheer about. Five minutes on, it was time for the two to combine yet again, and this time to hand Mumbai a win, and send the entire Mumbai City bench into euphoria. 

2. An unfortunate loss for Goa

FC Goa were easily the better of the two sides across the 90 minutes, as they were absolutely flawless with both their attacking as well as their defensive play.

Manolo Marquez was spot on with his plans, and the players played it out to perfection. Despite their best efforts, the Gaurs had to surrender a 2-0 lead in additional time, and now find themselves trailing on aggregate when they visit Mumbai next week.

The FC Goa defence, which was so disciplined throughout the game, somewhat succumbed to the unwavering pressure from Mumbai at the end, and Marquez will now have to look into the matter and figure out solutions at the earliest. 

1. An exciting second leg on the cards

Although Peter Kratky and his men shook Fatorda with the late comeback, there is still 90 minutes of footballing action left to be played in this semi-final tie. Despite not having the last laugh tonight, Manolo Marquez will have a shot at redemption on the 29th of April, when these two teams play another 90 minutes of football (or maybe 120). 

Petr Kratky will have a lot of work to do on his team, as Mumbai were far from satisfactory with their performance, and they cannot always count on their good fortune to see out a game, especially against a pragmatic like Manolo Marquez. 

The turnaround is only the trailer, as a box office awaits the fans on Monday night. Counting out FC Goa can be a huge mistake, as one never knows what Marquez and his troop of Goan stalwarts have in store. 

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