ISL 2021-22: Mumbai City beat Goa, stay ahead of Kerala Blasters

Updated: May 17, 2023, 04:59 am

Diego Mauricio of Mumbai City scores past Naveen Kumar and FC Goa.
Diego Mauricio of Mumbai City scores past Naveen Kumar and FC Goa.
Sandeep Shetty/Focus Sports/ ISL

A gripping contest saw Mumbai City FC defeat FC Goa 2-0 scoreline at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. The result helped the reigning champions climb back to fourth position, and remain a point above Kerala Blasters.

Mehtab Singh (35') headed the Islanders into the lead in the first half and a second was added by Diego Mauricio (86') late in the game to secure the three points.

Early on, Igor Angulo hit the crossbar with a looping header and was unlucky not to score. That was followed by an error from Mohamad Nawaz who miscued a simple clearance and gave away a penalty. Airam Cabrera stepped up but Nawaz made a brilliant save, making up for the earlier mistake.

Five minutes after the half-hour mark, MCFC finally went into the lead through Mehtab Singh, who expertly headed a Cassio Gabriel's cross inside the back of the net. A few minutes later, Angulo looked to have added a second but the goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up. The first half concluded with the Islanders having their noses in front, marginally albeit.

The second half saw Goa start brightly as Ivan Gonzalez hit the side-netting and Devendra Murgaonkar hit the top of the crossbar looking for the equaliser. Lalengmawia then slotted the ball in the net for MCFC past the hour mark but it was disallowed for an offside leading up to the goal.

The lead was finally doubled in the final stages of the game by substitute Diego Mauricio. The striker took advantage of a miscommunication from the Goa defence and powered his shot past Naveen Kumar from close-range.

Mumbai will next play a potential semi-final spot decider with Kerala Blasters FC at the Tilak Maidan on Wednesday while FC Goa also has a meeting with the Blasters in their next at the Athletic Stadium on Sunday.