The Islanders got the better of the Gaurs in a very tough fought game as Mumbai City FC registered their first win of the season yesterday night with Adam le Fondre converting a penalty in the dying minutes of the game.
The game started evenly and within no time the Goans started dominating until the first 30 minutes of the game. Proper passing and very well composed defense helped them to keep their opponents at bay. Things went down for the home team after Angulo missed on an easy opportunity in the early minutes. FC Goa faced a huge blow as Redeem Tlang was sent off in his debut for the side after engaging into a reckless tackle.
Mumbai City pretty much commanded the aftermath as they went on bombarding attacks one after the other. The addition of Cy Goddard on the right wing was instrumental as he upped his game with some sublime dribbling and brilliant crossing.
Meanwhile the Goan centrebacks Ivan Gonzalez and James Donachie played a crucial role with their handy tackles and clearances, nullifying MCFC’s forward march. The young full back Saviour Gama showed some glimpses of his individual brilliance as well.
One man stood heads and shoulders above everyone else and that was Amrinder Singh. The Number 1 donning the Mumbai jersey was absolutely bossing over each and every shot and his crucial saves helped Lobera and Co. earn their first cleansheet of the season.
The breakthrough came in the added time as Bipin’s header was handled by Lenny Rodrigues inside the box. The penalty proved to be the difference between the two sides and Adam le Fondre’s cool and calm finish helped his side snatch away the 3 points after being on the cusp of a stalemate.
The Player Ratings for the game are as follows:
FC Goa
Mohmmed Nawaz – 7/10
James Donachie – 8/10
Ivan Gonzalez – 8.5/10
Saviour Gama – 7.5/10
Seriton Fernandes – 7/10
Lenny – 6.5/10
Edu Bedia – 7.5/10
Alberto Noguera – 7.5/10
Redeem Tlang – 6/10
Len Doungel – 6.5/10
Igor Angulo – 7/10
Subs-
Alexander Jesuraj – 6.5/10
Jorge Ortiz – 7/10
Princeton Rebello -Unrated
Mumbai City FC
Amrinder 8.5/10
Mandar 6/10
Sarthak 7/10
Fall 7/10
Ranawade 7/10
Rowllin 6.5/10
Santana 7/10
Goddard 8/10
Boumous 6.5/10
Farukh 7/10
Fondre 8/10
Subs-
Ogbeche 7/10
Rakip 7.5/10
Bipin 7.5/10
Vignesh 6/10
Follow IFTWC for all the latest updates on Indian Football and download our from playstore.