This is when heroes are made. Characters are found. History is created. It’s time.
The Islanders are faced with a mammoth challenge as FC Goa roll into town for the first of the two-legged semifinal at the Mumbai Football Arena tomorrow at 7.30pm.
Sergio Lobera has guided the Gaurs into the semifinals for the second time in his two years at the helm and the Goan side come into tomorrow’s clash as the favorites after getting the better of the Islanders on both occasions in the league stage.
FC Goa will have their talismanic striker and Hero ISL’s all-time top goalscorer Ferran Corominas to bank on but the midfield trio of Ahmed Jahouh, Edu Bedia and Hugo Boumous will be crucial to their chances.
The challenge is pretty straightforward for Jorge Costa. With the Hero ISL Final scheduled to be played at the Arena in next Sunday’s showdown, 180 minutes of football and the Gaurs stand between the Islanders and a piece of club history.
Where to watch it:
The game will kick off at 7.30pm IST and will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV for all viewers in India. For our global fans, you can find your broadcaster HERE. You can also follow live action on our official Twitter account - @MumbaiCityFC.
Team News:
Head coach Jorge Costa has confirmed his 20-mantraveling squad for the all-important first leg of the semifinal. Souvik Chakrabarti and Sehnaj Singh return from suspension while Davinder Singh remains the only name on the injury list for the Islanders.
For Sergio Lobera’s FC Goa, Mohd Nawaz could return in goal after the shotstopper suffered an injury against the Islanders in the two sides’ league meeting a month ago.
Who said what:
Jorge Costa: The team that makes less mistakes will play the final. It will be a good game.
Amrinder Singh: The past records don’t mean much. It will be 11v11 tomorrow and we’re up for the challenge.
Modou Sougou: These kind of games are special. We want to go to Goa with a positive result and give our fans a special evening at the Arena.
