Mumbai City FC defeated FC Goa 2-0 in the second leg of their Indian Super League (ISL) 2023–24 semi-final match, securing a final matchup with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant. After the Kolkata-based team defeated them to become the ISL Champions earlier this month, the Petr Kratky-coached team will now play the Mariners again for a chance to win the ISL Cup.
Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Lallianzuala Chhangte each scored goals in the second half to guarantee that the Gaurs, trailing 3-2 from the first leg, did not mount a late rally similar to the one the Islanders had staged in the rematch in Goa.
Lallianzuala Chhangte lead Mumbai City FC
Before this game, Chhangte had nine strikes for the season. He was a playful presence near the Manolo Marquez-coached team’s defense. The talented winger won the Golden Ball trophy in the Indian Super League 2022–23 after scoring ten goals. There were times during this season when it seemed like he might not be able to replicate his output from the previous one.
A ©️aptain's performance! 💪#MCFCFCG #ISL #ISL10 #LetsFootball #ISLonJioCinema #ISLonSports18 #MumbaiCityFC #RahulBheke #ISLPOTM | @Sports18 @MumbaiCityFC @RahulBheke pic.twitter.com/FRoIAXIkZq
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) April 29, 2024
But in the last several months, as Mumbai City FC started to build momentum, Chhangte’s form improved, and he saved them at several crucial times. Tonight was one of them, with his goal in the 83rd minute coming about as a result of the Gaurs looking to take advantage of chances up front after Diaz’s opening goal had tipped the score 4-2 overall.
The potent combination of Vikram Partap Singh and Chhangte tore apart the Gaurs’ defense as the entire Islanders formation fell back to guard against the FC Goa attacking onslaught. After Vikram’s through ball found Chhangte, the Islanders scored their tenth goal of the 2023–24 season as he easily dribbled past Ayush Dev Chhetri and Udanta Singh.
Nevertheless, Diaz’s first goal laid the groundwork for that. In the 69th minute, Mumbai City FC sensed a chance to score off a corner kick and piled on the numbers. Positioned on the far post, captain Rahul Bheke forcefully headed the delivery that FC Goa goalie Dheeraj Singh blocked.
But Diaz, being true to his incisive scoring abilities, pounced on the rebound and scored from close range to give his team a commanding lead. Ultimately, Mumbai City FC defeated the Gaurs 5-2 overall over the two legs to solidify their spot in the summit match.
Principal Actor of the Game
Changte Lallianzuala (Mumbai City FC)
Tonight, Chhangte completed 19 of his 26 passes. In addition to helping the Islanders increase their lead, he made two crosses, intercepted one, and tackled twice.
What happens to both teams next?
With this defeat, FC Goa’s journey has come to an end. On May 4, Mumbai City FC and the Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face off in the ISL 2023–24 final in Kolkata.
Short Scores
Mumbai City FC 2 defeated FC Goa 0 (Jorge Pereyra Diaz 69′, Lallianzuala Chhangte 83′).
