5 key players to watch out for as Mumbai City take on FC Goa in ISL semis

It would be worth keeping an eye on these players as both teams lock horns to win a berth in the ISL final.

On Monday, Mumbai City FC and FC Goa will clash again in the second leg of their Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 semi-final. The very entertaining first-leg game ended in a 2-2 draw on Friday and that has left the fixture wide open.

With nothing to separate the two sides yet, one can expect the individual brilliance of some key players to decide the result of the upcoming match. After witnessing the performances in the recently-concluded tie, one can say that the following five players could play key roles on Monday.

5. Igor Angulo

The indomitable Igor Angulo will once again be central to FC Goa’s plans, just like he has been all season. The Spaniard scored off the spot under pressure in the first leg, giving his team the lead. He also thereby reached 14 goals in his debut season, joint-top with Roy Krishna from ATK Mohun Bagan.

Stepping into ex-Gaurs front-man Ferran Corominas’ shoes was never an easy task, but Angulo seems to have welcomed the challenge with open arms. 

4. Hugo Boumous

Hugo Boumous scored a sensational individual goal against his former side to bring the game back to level terms in the first leg. The Frenchman has been instrumental to the Islanders all season and has always delivered whenever the side needed him to.

In the 14 appearances that he has made so far this season, Boumous has scored three goals and contributed seven assists. The midfielder will be critical to Mumbai City FC's plans once again when they meet FC Goa on Monday.

3. Bipin Singh

Bipin Singh has been the pick of Indian players this season. The attacking winger has been a revelation for MCFC this year and has also received a national team call-up for his performances so far this season in the ISL. 

The 25-year-old has played 20 games in the campaign, scoring five goals including a sensational hat-trick and notching four assists. He delivered three good crosses against the Gaurs in the first leg and was a constant nuisance down the wings. It goes without saying that he has all the ammunition in his locker to hurt FC Goa in the second leg as well.

2. Ahmed Jahouh

Ahmed Jahouh, also brought in from FC Goa, has been one of Mumbai's most important signings of the season. The midfielder took a quick free-kick for the first goal and delivered an exquisite cross for Mourtada Fall’s goal which levelled the game in the second-half of the first-leg.

The 32-year-old is lethal with his passing accuracy from the deep. He also contributes to the defensive department with superb tackling and an eye for interceptions. The midfield battle between Gaurs' skipper Edu Bedia and him will be vital.

1. Edu Bedia

FC Goa’s captain Edu Bedia leads by example. He is the workhorse in the middle of the park, who plays a key role in both attack and defence. The box-to-box midfielder loves a tackle in defence and has the knack of shooting from range on the front foot.

As already mentioned, the midfield battle between him and Jahouh will decide the flow of the game when the two giants clash again, and FCG will hope their skipper can deliver the goods on their most important night yet. Edu leads the league with most number of passes at 1420, seconded by Jahouh with 1354 passes. 

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