Margao: Balwant Singh’s late strike helped Mumbai City pull-out 4-3 win over a 10-men FC Goa despite going behind at Fatorda Stadium on Sunday.
They were 2-1 at half-time but made full use of the one-man advantage after Goa were reduced to 10 men in the 48th minute.
The win lifted them to fifth with 17 points after 12 games but Goa remained fourth despite the loss, two points ahead having played a match less.
Ferran Corominas had put the hosts ahead at the half hour mark from the rebound after Mandar Rao’s effort was saved but Everton Santos restored parity two minutes later before goals flourished in the second-half, with Coro and Santos both netting a brace.
Former Espanyol striker Coro skid past the entire Mumbai City defence before squaring the ball for Rane who’s first-time shot was parried away by custodian Amrinder but only as far as the 35 year-old who didn’t mind putting it in.
The home side’s lead, however, didn’t last long. A minute later, Thiago Santos helped Mumbai drew parity. Everton Santos’ shot away from the edge of the which took a deflection of Thiago before making its way into the goal.
It looked to be 1-1 at the break, but a horrible mix up between Sanju Pradhan and Amrinder Singh gave Manuel Lanzarote an easy opportunity to give FC Goa the lead for the second time.
But things took a torrid turn for them after Seriton Fernandes was shown a second yellow for a pull back on Everton Santos. Goa were reduced to 10-men and Lobera quickly made a change to his team formation. Things soon got worse for the home side 10 minutes later, when the referee pointed to the spot after Mohamed Ali brought down Everton down inside the box with a late sliding tackle. Achille Emana calmly slotted the ball home to bring Mumbai back into the game.
It was then Thiago Santos’ turn to give Mumbai the lead for the first time in the game with 20 minutes left on the clock after FC Goa goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani palmed a strike by Balwant Singh into his path.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the home side however didn’t lie down and equalised in 78th minute through Coro. Ahmed Jahouh’s pass put Coro on goal and he chipped past the goalkeeper for his 12th goal of the season.
It looked like the home side had done enough to at least a share of the points but there was another twist in the tale. In the 87th minute, Everton Santos shot was partially saved by Kattamani when Balwant Singh found himself at the right place and at the right time to hand Mumbai the winner.