In a riveting encounter at the Kalinga Stadium on Thursday, January 11, 2024, Gokulam Kerala initially took the lead against Mumbai City FC, only to succumb to a late surge as Mumbai emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline in their Group C match of the Kalinga Super Cup. The game witnessed an energetic start as Mumbai City FC, despite an off-color performance and a team largely composed of young players, showcased resilience and determination to secure the crucial win, relying on a penalty in injury time to seal the deal.
Mumbai City FC displayed early dominance, nearly finding the net in the fourth minute when Abdenasser El Khayati’s cross from the left wing met Nathan Rodrigues in the six-yard area. However, the youngster’s volley soared high, denying Mumbai an early lead. The pattern of the game unfolded with Mumbai City FC monopolizing possession and constantly pressuring Gokulam’s defensive lines. The high press strategy paid off in the 12th minute, as Jayesh Rane intercepted the ball outside the Gokulam box, setting up Gurkirat Singh, whose shot went wide.
However, Mumbai City FC’s confidence turned into overconfidence, leading to a setback in the 23rd minute. Gokulam seized the opportunity with a swift two-pass counter-attack initiated by debutant Nikola Stojanovic’s long ball into the Mumbai box. Aminou Bouba’s header, following a misjudgment by Phurba Lachenpa, hit the bar, allowing Alex Sanchez to capitalize on the rebound and secure an unexpected lead for Gokulam.
Despite Mumbai’s relentless pressure and attempts to breach Gokulam Kerala’s defense, the first half concluded with Gokulam maintaining their narrow lead. The second half saw Mumbai City continuing their pursuit of an equalizer, dominating possession but struggling to create clear chances. A close call came in the 70th minute when substitute Seilenthang Lotjem’s impressive long-range shot narrowly missed the target.
Gokulam Kerala, meanwhile, executed counterattacks effectively, almost doubling their lead in the 72nd minute as Bouba’s header struck the crossbar from their first corner of the game. However, their missed opportunities haunted them, as Mumbai City drew level in the 74th minute. Ayush Chhikara, set up brilliantly by El Khayati, slotted the ball into the far corner from a sharp angle.
The dramatic turn of events reached a climax deep into injury time when a needless foul by Basith Ahmed Bhat on the edge of the box resulted in a penalty for Mumbai City. El Khayati converted the penalty flawlessly, sending Avilash Paul the wrong way and securing all three points for Mumbai City.
In summary, Mumbai City’s comeback from a goal behind showcased their resilience, with El Khayati’s penalty in injury time proving decisive. Gokulam, despite their spirited performance, experienced late heartbreak, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football. The Kalinga Super Cup encounter left fans on the edge of their seats, witnessing a captivating clash between the two teams.
Mumbai City FC Starting XI
Phurba Lachenpa (C), Valpuia, Nathan Rodrigues, Yoell Van Nieff, Sanjeev Stalin, Franklin Nazareth, Vinit Rai, Jaesh Rane, Nasser El Khayati, Alberto Noguera, Gurkirat Singh
Kerala Gokulam Starting XI
Avilash, Nidhin, Rishad, Sreekuttan VS, Hakku, Aminou Bouba, Nikola, Saheef, Alex Sanchez (C), Abhijith, Azza