FC Goa sealed a spot in their third AIFF Super Cup 2025 final after beating Mumbai City FC 2-1 in a thrilling semi-final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Thursday, December 4.

The defending champions faced immense pressure, but two rapid goals in the first half from Brison Fernandes and David Timor gave them the edge. Although Mumbai City responded with one goal in the second half, Goa’s defence stood strong until the final whistle.

This result also marked Mumbai City FC’s third consecutive semi-final exit in the competition.

Shock Before Kick-Off

The drama started even before the match began. FC Goa captain Iker Guarrotxena received a red card for an incident in the tunnel. As a result, Javier Siverio stepped into the starting eleven at the last moment.

Despite losing their captain, Goa stayed calm and focused. They did not allow the setback to affect their performance on the pitch.

Brison Breaks The Deadlock

Goa struck first in the 20th minute. Mumbai defender Rubio failed to deal with a cross from the left. The loose ball fell to Brison Fernandes inside the box.

He kept his cool and smashed a powerful left-footed shot past goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa. The home crowd erupted as Goa took the lead.

Timor Doubles The Advantage

Just three minutes later, FC Goa scored again. David Timor took a long-range chance from outside the box with a fierce left-footed shot. The effort came straight at Lachenpa, but the goalkeeper misjudged it badly.

The ball slipped from his grasp and looped into the net. In a flash, Goa were 2-0 up, while Mumbai looked shaken and disorganised.

Goa Control, But Mumbai Stay Dangerous

After the second goal, Goa enjoyed more possession and created several chances. Just before half-time, Timor came close with a curling free-kick. Lachenpa made a sharp save, and moments later, he denied Borja Herrera on the rebound to make up for his earlier error.

However, Mumbai almost pulled one back when Jorge Pereyra Díaz smashed a shot against the crossbar. That moment reminded everyone the contest was still alive.

Penalty Miss Changes Momentum

Mumbai City returned after the break with more urgency. In the 52nd minute, Pereyra Díaz ran through the Goa defence and was brought down by goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari. The referee awarded a penalty.

Lallianzuala Chhangte stepped up but blasted the ball over the bar. The miss lifted Goa’s confidence and left Mumbai frustrated.

Mumbai Pull One Back

Mumbai did not give up. In the 59th minute, Pereyra Díaz played a clever pass to Brandon Fernandes. Even though he slipped slightly, Brandon guided a fine shot into the bottom corner.

The score became 2-1, and the match turned tense and intense.

Tiwari Stands Tall

The final 30 minutes saw Mumbai attack relentlessly. Chhangte forced Tiwari into a strong save with a long-range effort and then wasted the rebound. Pereyra Díaz and Jorge Ortiz also searched for an equaliser.

However, Tiwari produced crucial saves each time. His performance frustrated Mumbai and kept Goa in front.

Goa Hold On To Reach Final

As time ran out, Mumbai pushed more players forward. Still, FC Goa’s defence stayed compact, organised, and calm. They protected their lead and confirmed their place in the final, where they will now face East Bengal.

However, they will miss captain Guarrotxena in the final because of his suspension.