Mumbai City march into Super Cup semifinals after dramatic late own goal
Kerala Blasters' last-minute defensive blunder gifted Mumbai City a narrow 1–0 win, which booked the latter's passage into the AIFF Super Cup semifinals.
A Costly Mistake Changes Everything
A tense encounter went in favour of Mumbai City FC as they edged past Kerala Blasters FC 1–0 at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda to book their spot in the semifinals of the AIFF Super Cup. The all-important goal came just two minutes before full time, as Kerala defender Freddy Lallawmawma turned the ball into his own net in trying to clear a cross from Jorge Pereyra Díaz.
Knowing only a win would see them advance into the playoffs from Group D, Mumbai began the game aggressively. Kerala, needing only a draw to make it through to the playoffs, had adopted a more defensive outlook. Plans, however, quickly changed when defender Sandeep Singh saw his second yellow card of the game deep into first-half stoppage time, forcing the Blasters to play the entire second half with ten men.
Even when reduced to ten men, Kerala’s defence had held intact for the better part of the match, keeping Mumbai’s attacking trio at bay. The late own goal broke that resistance and brought an end to their season in heartbreaking fashion.
While both teams topped the group stage with six points, Mumbai City advanced on the head-to-head rule. The Islanders will now face FC Goa in the semifinals on December 4, continuing their pursuit of the Super Cup title.
