According to a press release by Indian Super League, FC Goa missed the opportunity to break into the second leg of their Hero Indian Super League semi-finals with an advantage as they conceded a lead twice in their 2-2 draw against Mumbai City FC at the Fatorda Stadium on Friday. Goa’s Igor Angulo’s penalty (20′) broke the deadlock before his goal was canceled out by Hugo Boumous (38′). Goa took the lead again through Saviour Gama (59′) but Mourtada Fall (62′) netted an important equaliser to help the Islanders edge an escape with a crucial point. The first-half was an entertaining affair with both teams keeping each other on their toes. Goa dominated the first half and fancied better chances but Mumbai paved their way back to keep the scoreline level at the break. Mumbai’s keeper Amrinder Singh was brought into action early on, making a routine save in the fifth minute. A cutback from Jorge Oritz found Gama who’s attempt was parried away for a corner. Just moments after FC Goa was deprived of a penalty, Oritz was clipped by Mandar Rao Dessai in the box. Angulo rose to take the spot-kick and sent Amrinder the wrong way to notch his 13th goal of the season. Goa were forced to make a substitution soon after the half-hour mark after Seriton Fernandes was stretchered off, replaced by young gun Leander D’Cunha who made his first ISL appearance. Goa’s weakness was exposed again as the side to concede the most goals from set-pieces when Boumous came back to haunt his former team. Ahmed Jahouh took a quick free-kick and released Boumous, who attempted a pass on the right. The ball fell back into his path following a deflection off Gama and the Frenchman drilled his volley into the bottom corner to mark his return in style after a four-game ban. Mumbai dominated the course of the match after the break but it was Goa who scored against the run of play around the hour mark, after an exhilarating solo goal from Gama whose long-range shot found the bottom corner after a run at the heart of Mumbai defence. Their lead only lasted for 3 minutes as Fall, the man who scored the winner to give Mumbai the League Winners Shield against ATK Mohun Bagan, found the net again. Jahouh’s cross found an unmarked Fall, who placed his header into the back of the net with ease.
The closing stages were scrappy with both sides struggling to get through clear-cut chances. A draw, in the end, however meant both teams will have all to play for in the second leg.