Can FC Goa win the ISL in their own city?

The semi-finals of the 20/21 edition of the Hero ISL are scheduled to kick off this weekend, with the first leg of the two Maharashtra based clubs going at it. FC Goa face Mumbai City FC and will be fancying their chances going into the encounter. 

It is well worth remembering that the contest is not that of getting it right over one leg, but maintaining good performances over the two legs. And that is where FC Goa will be hoping to beat Mumbai City. The tournament hosts will feature in the knockout stages for the sixth time, and for the fourth straight time which is a record-setting metric. 

Moreover, Goa have gone their last 13 matches unbeaten, which is another record that the club has set in the ISL. They have only lost 3 games this season, of the 20 being played. And their past experience of the pressure of playing at the back end of the season should do them favours in terms of putting their best foot forward. 

Igor Alboniga, who is second in the race for the Golden Boot with 13 goals from 19 games will be their most valuable asset heading into another knockout stage. Alberto Noguera, who holds the highest number of assists this season with 8 from 19 games will also be a vital player in the game against Mumbai, and potentially in the final too. 

This could finally be FC Goa’s year if they manage to extend their unbeaten streak until the final. And what a wonderful gift it will be to the Goa fans, to win the tournament in their own city despite the pandemic situation.