The last encounter between the two sides ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw. Mumbai City FC went into half-time with a 2-1 lead, courtesy of goals from Hugo Boumous and Adam Le Fondre. Glan Martins pulled one goal back on the stroke of half-time.
The second half started with Igor Angulo restoring parity for FC Goa. Rowllin Borges scored a goal in the final minute of regulation time in what seemed to be the likely winner for Mumbai City FC. However, Ishan Pandita spoiled those plans as his strike six minutes later sealed the draw.
“We started the season a little uneven in results, but we’ve entered the playoffs now. The biggest challenge was maintaining the commitment to demand the maximum of ourselves every day, despite the short pre-season, living in special circumstances (bio-bubble) and being under the pressure of results with a young team,” said Ferrando on match eve.
The Spanish trio of Igor Angulo (13 goals), Alberto Noguera (one goal, eight assists) and Jorge Ortiz (six goals, one assist) have been central to Goa’s progress so far.
“Igor, with his experience and work rate, has allowed us to play attacking football. Ortiz is an example of hard work and perseverance both in games and training. Noguera is undoubtedly the best midfielder in the league. I could spend hours talking about them,” Ferrando added.
Speaking about the Gaurs’ chances in the playoffs, the 40-year-old gaffer said: “I don’t think about how difficult a rival is, but about how to prepare the team to overcome a game. The next match will be a challenge because of injuries and cards, but I see it as another opportunity to continue improving.”
“I’m very happy because CFG gave us everything, and now is the time to analyse the things we’ve achieved. I think my players deserved to win the shield, and hopefully, we can achieve another trophy. It means a lot to be playing in the AFC Champions League,” the Spanish boss claimed.
The likes of Adam le Fondre (11 goals, one assist), Bartholomew Ogbeche (eight goals, two assists) and Hugo Boumous (two goals, seven assists) will be key for the Islanders.
“Facing Goa won’t make any difference for me. Now, I am in Mumbai City. We’re professionals, and we play the game the same way. Whichever team we face, we have to win the semifinal. It will be a tough game tomorrow, and we need to be prepared for it,” added Lobera.
FC Goa & Mumbai City FC have the best passing accuracy in this season of the Indian Super League, 81.5% and 81.4% respectively. 7,391 passes were successful for Goa, while 7,371 passes were successful for the Islanders. Equals.
elite marksmen, 
aim!
& power their team to victory!
Clutch saves
ssists galore
- Number of matches FC Goa are currently unbeaten, the longest by a team in the HeroISL 
goals in this 
