MARGAO, INDIA: Mumbai City FC lapped up the final available spot in the semifinals of the ongoing AIFF Super Cup by defeating Kerala Blasters FC 1-0 in their last group D game at the Fatorda Stadium in Margao on Thursday, November 6. The Islanders poked away at their opponents all evening, but were hard-pressed to find a breakthrough.
Eventually, it was a late 88th-minute own goal by Freddy Lallawmawma that saw the Blasters crash out of the competition. Earlier, a costly red card picked up by Sandeep Singh Soraisham turned the game almost entirely in City’s favour, who attacked relentlessly and used their numerical advantage to good effect.
A cross from Jorge Pereyra Diaz caused a lot of trouble in the Blasters’ box, with confusion between Muhammad Saheef and Lallawmawma. Eventually, the ball, taking a final touch off the latter, trickled past goalkeeper Nora Fernandes, and handed City their sole goal.
The Islanders made it through to the semifinals by virtue of beating rivals, the Blasters, in a head-to-head encounter, even though both sides ended the tournament with six points apiece and the same goal difference (3). Petr Kratky’s men will now take on FC Goa in the semifinals of this tournament, which will be played on December 4.
Earlier in the day, Sporting Club Delhi etched history to pick up their first point ever. Trailing Rajasthan United 0-2 in the second half, the newly formed club from the capital took the help of a strike by Sourav K to reduce their deficit in half.
In stoppage time, however, it was left to young Alan Saji, brother of defender Alex, to keep his composure and slot home the equaliser. Even though Delhi ended their maiden tournament at the bottom of their group table, they go home with one point in their bag.
The semifinal fixtures, to be played on December 4, are as follows:
East Bengal FC vs Punjab FC
FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC
The winners of the semifinals will play the final on December 7. All knockout matches will be played at the Fatorda.
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