Balwant strikes late to give Mumbai 4-3 win over FC Goa in ISL

Striker Balwant Singh struck late as Mumbai City FC pipped FC Goa 4-3 in a Hero Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Fatorda Stadium here on Sunday.

Ferran Corominas Telechea gave FC Goa the lead in the 34th minute, slotting in a rebound which fell to him as goalkeeper Amrinder Singh kept away an attempt from Mandar Rao.

The home side's lead, however, didn't last long. Barely a minute later Everton Santos helped Mumbai drew parity. Thiago Santos got a shot away from the edge of the box and it took a deflection of Everton before making its way into the goal.

One minute before half-time, a horrible mix up between Sanju Pradhan and Amrinder Singh gave Manuel Lanzarote an easy opportunity to regain the lead for FC Goa.

In the second half, the home side was dealt a heavy blow early on after Seriton Fernandes was shown a second yellow for a pull back on Everton Santos, getting reduced to 10 players.

Things got worse for the home side in the 54th minute when they conceded a penalty after Mohamed Ali brought down Everton inside the box with a late sliding tackle. Achille Emana calmly slotted the ball home to bring Mumbai level.

Mumbai got the 3-2 lead in the 70th minute when Goa goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani palmed a strike by Balwant into the path of Thiago Santos, who then drove the ball in.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, the home side refused to surrender. They equalised in the 78th minute through Corominas, who chipped past the onrushing goalkeeper for his 12th goal of the season.

However, the home fan's delight lasted only for eight minutes as Balwant scored the winner after Everton Santos' shot was partially saved by Kattamani.

Following the win, Mumbai remained two points behind fourth-placed Goa, who have 19 points.

--IANS

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