FC Goa end Mumbai City FC’s unbeaten run of 9 games

The Islanders’ first big chance of the match came on the 56^th minute through a set piece. Mirabaje’s swerving free kick from an odd angle needed a sharp reaction from Goa goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz. The youngster was up to the task and dealt with the danger.

Nawaz’s reflexes were tested yet again just five minutes later. Arnold Issoko broke with pace and fed an onrushing Paulo Machado inside the box. Nawaz made a good save to deny the Mumbai skipper and Mourtada Fall was vigilant to clear the rebound out of the danger zone.

Shortly after, Nawaz was left rooted to his spot when Goian rose high to redirect a pin-point Paulo Machado free kick goalward. Luck, however, was in the Gaurs’ side as the effort hit the underside of the crossbar and came out.

With Mumbai putting pressure on the Goa defence in search of the equaliser, a rare counter attack from the Gaurs earned them a penalty much against the flow of the game. Subhasish brought down Coro inside the penalty box prompting the referee to point to the spot.

The Spaniard calmly converted the penalty to extend Goa’s lead. It was the Coro’s 11^th goal of the season and 29^th Hero ISL goal overall, taking him past Iain Hume in the list of Hero ISL’s all-time top goal scorers.

The Gaurs could have made it 3-0 in the final seconds of the stoppage time. Substitute Hugo Boumous tore through the Mumbai defence with a powerful solo run and got his shot off. Amrinder, however, made a good stop to save the Islanders any further blushes.

Mumbai will be on the road to play against Jamshedpur FC on February 8, while Goa’s next encounter will be an away fixture against Delhi Dynamos FC on February 4.