India’s Mumbai, Maharashtra, on December 1 (ANI): On Thursday, Matchweek 9 of the Indian Super League (ISL) between FC Goa and Mumbai City FC will begin at the Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai. The two teams have a long and interesting rivalry, and they have met twice in the ISL playoffs—in the 2018-19 season and the 2020-21 season—in those two seasons.
In the ISL, these two teams have met 20 times. Seven games have been won by each team, and six games have been tied. Both teams have a long history of scoring a lot and attacking the opposition. A total of 63 goals have been scored in their 20 matches against each other. Indicating that Thursday’s matchup in Mumbai will be a goal-fest.
Mumbai City FC holds the record for the most goals scored in the first eight matches of the Indian Super League, having scored 23 goals in those eight games. Prior to the 2018-19 season, when the Gaurs defeated the Islanders in the semi-finals, their opponents had set the previous record of 22 goals in eight games.
Mumbai City FC is scoring a lot of goals in a short amount of time. In their previous match against NorthEast United FC, midfielder Ahmed Jahouh scored from the spot. The Moroccan scored his eleventh goal of the season for his team. Jahouh will make his 100th ISL appearance in his next game, making him the second foreigner after Tiri to reach this milestone.
As long as we continue to play as we have in the previous eight games. I will be satisfied with the score. “We know that we are up against a very tough Goa side that will try to do the same. But we are prepared and will try to win the game,” said head coach Des Buckingham.
He went on to say, “I am looking forward to playing the same way we have been playing so far this season and improving on that.” For the second time this season, FC Goa failed to break their pattern of alternate-game victories against Bengaluru FC, failing to score. The Gaurs will expect to keep the example alive for another game. Arise with three focuses to end the Islanders’ unbeaten run.
Several players have recovered from their respective injuries and are ready to resume play. For FC Goa, Alvaro Vazquez has started the last two games, but neither game has seen him score. The Gaurs’ front line has been led by Noah Wail Sadaoui, who has scored four goals in seven games thus far.
When compared to the previous season, our start has been very good. After seven games, we are in a good position, but many things need to be improved. Even after the result against Bengaluru, the team dynamic is very good,” Pena said. Mumbai is a formidable team.
They are aware of their responsibilities because this is their second season under the same coach, he added. The Gaurs are six points behind the league leaders and have a game in hand. Whereas Mumbai City FC has been dominant this season, going unbeaten and ranking first in the ISL points table. (ANI)