Mumbai City FC fell to a 1-3 defeat against FC Goa in a hard-fought encounter at the Mumbai Football Arena. Despite a bright start and multiple attacking chances, the Islanders found themselves trailing by two goals after the half. Following the third concession, Lallianzuala Chhangte converted a stoppage-time penalty to reduce the deficit for Mumbai City FC.
Mumbai City FC had a few promising attacks in the first half. Chhangte played a sharp pass to Vikram Partap Singh in the 11th minute, who set up Jorge Ortiz. However, Ortiz's shot was off balance and went wide of the target.
Moments later, Krouma delivered a perfectly weighted long ball to Vikram, who controlled it well and took a shot. Unfortunately, his effort was straight at the keeper, who made a strong save. Phurba Lachenpa was called into action soon after, making a powerful save at close range to deny FC Goa a potential advantage.
The visitors took the lead in the 24th minute, following a Mumbai City FC corner when Iker Guarrotxena fired a right-footed shot from outside the box to find the net. In the 41st minute, he struck again to double the advantage.
Just before halftime, Ortiz created a good chance for himself on the left. He unleashed a strong shot at goal, but the keeper was equal to it and kept the ball out, preventing the Islanders from pulling one back.
In the second half, the Islanders looked to break through, but the goal evaded them. Ortiz continued to create openings, linking up with Vikram in the 58th minute. With time and space, but an awkward angle, Vikram went for a powerful effort, his shot was straight at the keeper.
Looking to change the momentum, Mumbai City FC introduced Jayesh Rane for Brandon Fernandes and Ayush Chikkara for Vikram Pratap Singh in the 62nd minute, injecting fresh legs into the attack.
In the 62nd minute, FC Goa extended their lead further. Borja Herrera finished from close range, making it 3-0 and leaving Mumbai City FC with an uphill task. As the match neared its conclusion, Ortiz got another shot away from distance in the 88th minute, but once again, his effort was straight at the keeper.
In stoppage time, the Islanders pulled one back when Chhangte stepped up to convert a penalty, making it 1-3, before the final whistle.
Mumbai City FC will be in action again when travel to take on Hyderabad for an away fixture on 19 February.
