ISL semi-final: Brilliant but wasteful FC Goa, adaptive Mumbai City, madness scoring over method
The Islanders progressed to their first final after a 6-5 penalty shootout win over the Gaurs. Mumbai City FC players celebrate as FC Goa goalkeeper looks on. | Vipin Pawar / Sportzpics for ISL
The Indian Super League semi-final between Mumbai City FC and FC Goa was firmly in the balance. With over a hundred minutes of football played, there was precious little to choose between the two teams that had tactically, physically, and technically cancelled each other out.
FC Goa’s brilliance
But from the 27th minute of the second leg when FC Goa’s Alberto Noguera had the game’s first shot on target, the Gaurs started emerging as the stronger force. Going in at half-time, coach Juan Ferrando turned to his super sub Ishan Pandita a good half an hour before he usually does. He sensed there was an opportunity to win the game early.