The day of Friday brought cheers for the fans of FC Goa as the team registered their first win of Indian Super League against Mumbai City FC, here in Mumbai. FC Goa won by 1-0
This win of FC Goa provided a ray of hope to the team as if they continue their winning performance it may help them to climb up in the points table and two back-to-back matches against Kerala Blasters and Delhi Dynamos at their home turf would provide a great opportunity to the team as well.
Richarlyson Felisbino’s goal in the 41st minute gave the winning lead to FC Goa and despite repeated attempts of Mumbai players, they failed to level the lead. After taking the lead, FC Goa changed their game strategy and played defensive game giving tough time to Mumbai City FC.
In the first half an hour, both the teams played firmly and spectators didn’t get any chance to witness the aggressive game. Goan midfielder, Joffre Gonzalez in the 25th minute of the game picked the ball from Julio but Mumbai defender Aibor Khongjee timely tackled the ball and ruined the efforts of Gonzalez.
But Mumbai City’s loose game didn’t create much trouble for Goa, although Sony Norde tried his best to garner a goal for Mumbai but he failed in his every attempt to level the lead. The breakthrough for FC Goa came just before the half-time, when Richarlyson picked the ball from Julio inside the box and within no time fired the ball inside the goalpost.
The unbeatable performance of FC Goa’s goalkeeper, Subashish Choudhury gave a hard time to Mumbai City FC. Once it became clear that Goa had a chance to walk away with full points, Goa shut the doors with a defensive approach. When Zico sensed that the victory of his team is near he fielded Brazil captain, Lucio as a defensive cover for the last 10 minutes which further increased the problems of Mumbai players.
Earlier, Mumbai City’s marquee player, Diego Forlan finally recovered from an injury and made his comeback in the playing XI due to which he had to sit out from the last three matches. Joining the Uruguayan striker in the starting list was Rakesh Oram –- an 18-year lad from Orissa making his debut.
As the Brazilian striker, Rafael Coelho ruled out of the match, FC Goa chief coach Zico left with a no option other than to start with Julio Cesar. And, Prathesh Shirodkar played the role of midfielder after Sanjay Balmuchu got suspended from the match.
