Mumbai City pip ATKMB to ISL League Winners Shield, FC Goa qualify for semis
March 2, 2021
Mumbai City FC beat ATK Mohun Bagan 2-0 in the final league encounter of the Indian Super League on Sunday to book a place in the coveted AFC Champions League next season.
Sergio Lobera’s side comfortably won after first-half goals from Mourtada Fall (7th minute) and Bartholomew Ogbeche (39th).
Despite losing the top spot to Mumbai, ATK Mohun Bagan will still harbour hopes of salvaging their season with a second successive Hero ISL title.
Being the team with the most goals from set-pieces this season, Mumbai drew the first blood in a similar fashion, scoring with their first shot on target.
Ahmed Jahouh’s free-kick fell to an unmarked Fall, whose angular header gave Mumbai the lead. The Mariners took control of the game soon after conceding but were forced to make a substitution in the 19th minute with Prabir Das replacing the injured Sandesh Jinghan.
Chances were far and few in between after the opening goal but it was from another set-piece that Mumbai doubled their advantage. Hernan Santana’s free-kick rattled the underside of the crossbar and Ogbeche pounced on the rebound, heading into an empty net.
Mumbai started the second-half bright, piling up pressure on the Bagan defence. The Mariners, on the other hand, hardly tested Mumbai keeper Amrinder Singh despite dominating possession after the break.
FC Goa hold Hyderabad FC to goalless draw
FC Goa played out a goalless draw against Hyderabad FC to become the fourth and last team to qualify for the semi-finals of Indian Super League at the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday.
Hyderabad FC went into the match needing a win to make the semi-finals, but FC Goa ensured that they kept a clean sheet to earn a crucial point that cemented a top-four league stage finish for the Gaurs.
Both the teams failed to break the deadlock in the first half.
Ivan Gonzalez made a crucial interception in stoppage time to deny Hyderabad FC a goal and seal the fourth spot for the Gaurs.
FC Goa joined Mumbai City FC, ATK Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United FC in the semi-finals. have already qualified for the semis.
