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After a mixed bag of a start, the Islanders have hit a purple patch in the 2019-20 Indian Super League. After picking up a much-awaited first home win of the season in the final game of 2019, Jorge Costa’s side comes into the new year with their sights firmly set on continuing the fine run.
Mumbai City FC will take to the pitch for the first time on Saturday when they welcome an in-form ATK side at the Mumbai Football Arena. Action kicks off tomorrow at 7.30pm from what will be the second meeting between the two camps in this season.
After notching up two stunning wins away from home in Bengaluru and Jamshedpur, Mumbai City FC returned to the Arena less than a week ago. The Islanders had gone without a home win for 336 days, with the last one coming in the first game of the 2019, beating Bengaluru FC 1-0 courtesy of a Paulo Machado goal. Jorge Costa’s side were itching to set the record straight in the last game of the year.
Modou Sougou, who finally grabbed his first goals of the season, dominated the headlines after putting the Islanders ahead inside the first 10 minutes. Sarthak Golui was given his marching orders after picking up a second yellow midway through the second half. A second goal from Sougou seemed to have sealed the points for Jorge Costa only for Bobo to pull one back for the visitors. A resilient show of defence in the final 10 minutes of the game meant the Islanders picked up their first win at the Arena of the season.
The momentum is on their side for Jorge Costa and his men. After almost snatching a win away in Kolkata earlier this season, Amrinder Singh and co. will be amidst a vociferous home support and tomorrow presents a strong chance for the Islanders to come away with all three points.
In a major blow, Paulo Machado has been ruled out of contention for the rest of the season. Having served his one match suspension, Rowllin Borges will return to the fold tomorrow. Suffering a contrasting fate will be Sarthak Golui, who misses out after seeing red against Hyderabad FC.
Using the January transfer window, ATK has bolstered their defence with the signing of Spanish centre-half Victor Mongil who replaces the injured John Johnson in the squad. Another Spanish defender, Agus Garcia will miss out after collecting his fourth yellow card and will serve a one-game suspension.
Mumbai City FC head coach Jorge Costa said, “2019 was a good year for us. We want to start 2020 with three points too. Tomorrow’s game is important for us, it’ll be a huge step for us if we can win.”
Mumbai City FC forward Modou Sougou said, “This team isn’t just about me but it’s about everyone. This is not the first time I’m working with Jorge Costa, I understand what’s required for the team. I’m happy to do anything that the coach wants me to do.”
Mumbai City FC allrounder Souvik Chakrabarti said, “The morale in the side is very good. We are happy to end the year with that important win but we know how crucial it will be start the new year on a winning note too.”
The game will kick off at 7.30pm IST and will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV for all viewers in India.
