FATORDA, GOA | December 4, 2025 FC Goa marched into their third AIFF Super Cup final after clinching a gripping 2–1 win over Mumbai City FC at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. The defending champions were tested throughout the night, but early goals from Brison Fernandes (20’) and David Timor (23’) were enough to secure the victory and book a title clash with East Bengal.
The match began in extraordinary fashion, with dramatic scenes unfolding even before kick-off. FC Goa captain Iker Guarrotxena was sent off due to a tunnel incident, forcing a last-minute change in the starting lineup as Javier Siverio stepped in. Despite losing their leader, Goa remained unfazed and focused.
Their resilience showed almost instantly. In the 20th minute, Brison Fernandes pounced on a defensive misjudgment from Mumbai’s Rubio, firing a powerful left-footed shot past Phurba Lachenpa to send Fatorda into raptures. Just three minutes later, Goa struck again. Timor unleashed a fierce long-range effort that Lachenpa mishandled, allowing the ball to loop helplessly into the net, gifting the champions a 2–0 cushion.
Goa continued to dominate much of the first half. Timor nearly doubled his tally from a stunning free-kick, forcing Lachenpa into an outstanding save, before the goalkeeper denied Borja Herrera on the rebound. Mumbai City, though shaken, remained dangerous—most notably when Jorge Pereyra Díaz rattled the crossbar with a sharp effort.
The second half ignited with Mumbai pushing forward aggressively. In the 52nd minute, Hrithik Tiwari brought down Díaz, leading to a penalty. But Lallianzuala Chhangte failed to convert, sending his effort high over the bar, a moment that deeply stung Mumbai’s momentum.
Seven minutes later, Mumbai finally found a breakthrough. Pereyra Díaz slipped a clever ball to Brandon Fernandes, who steadied himself despite slipping and placed a composed finish into the bottom corner. At 2–1, the semi-final roared back to life.
The final half-hour was an all-out Mumbai offensive—relentless pressure, rapid combinations, and multiple attempts on goal. But FC Goa’s defence stood tall, with Hrithik Tiwari making critical saves to keep the Gaurs in front. Mumbai threw bodies forward in stoppage time, but could not force an equaliser.
With the victory, FC Goa advance to the Super Cup final, where they will attempt to defend their crown. However, they will be without captain Guarrotxena, who remains suspended following the pre-match incident.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
