Defending champions FC Goa secured their spot in a second consecutive Super Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mumbai City FC at Fatorda Stadium in Goa. The high-stakes semi-final was marred by controversy even before a ball was kicked, setting a tense tone for the clash.
Moments before the kick-off, as the teams lined up in the tunnel, FC Goa’s influential midfielder Iker Guarrotxena was sent off. FC Goa Head Coach Manolo Márquez confirmed the bizarre circumstances after the match.
“He was wearing shorts, or a kind of innerwear, which the referee Pratik Mondal told him to change. Since he didn’t comply, he was sent off,” Márquez stated.
The Gaurs will now have to contest the final without this reliable Spaniard recruit.
Despite the severe setback, FC Goa quickly found their footing. Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for the hosts. Just two minutes later, David Timor doubled the lead with a thunderous strike that pierced the Mumbai City defence and into settled into the net.
Mumbai managed to pull a goal back through Brandon Fernandes. However, the Islanders will deeply regret Lallianzuala Chhangte’s penalty miss in the second half, as he fired his shot over the bar — a moment that proved crucial.
Despite the defeat, Mumbai City FC Head Coach Peter Kratky was highly appreciative of his squad’s effort. He revealed that the team’s flight to Goa had been delayed by 12 hours, resulting in the players reaching their destination at 4 AM on the very day of the match.
“I am really proud of my boys. The way they put in the effort in the second half. They are a bit tired because of the delayed flight journey. But again, we shouldn’t use it as an excuse,” Kratky acknowledged. Mumbai showed a late resurgence but failed to capitalise on the chances created, marking the third consecutive time the club has been knocked out of the Super Cup semi-finals.
FC Goa’s defensive mainstay, Sandesh Jhingan, who missed the semi-final, is confirmed to be unavailable for the final as well. Manolo Márquez stated that the defender has a muscle injury that will require approximately one month for recovery.
Márquez also noted that he would miss his friend, East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzón, on the sidelines during the final, as he was sent off during his own semi-final victory against Punjab FC due to heated exchanges with the referee.
FC Goa will face East Bengal in the final, after the Red-and-Gold thrashed Punjab FC 3-1 earlier on Thursday. Márquez expressed confidence, noting that playing the final in front of the home crowd will be a major advantage. “Though the number in turnout has reduced over the years, we expect more fans in the final, and that will create a difference,” he said.
With a highly coveted spot in the AFC Champions League Qualifiers at stake, the Super Cup Final promises an intriguing contest.
Also Read: East Bengal overpower Punjab FC to seal Super Cup final berth
