FC Goa and Mumbai City FC Clash in AIFF Super Cup Semi-Final Showdown

The AIFF Super Cup semi-final is heating up as FC Goa prepares to take on Mumbai City FC. With contrasting preparations, both teams are eager to secure a spot in the final. Mumbai City, coming off a training block, faces a well-prepared FC Goa, fresh from their AFC Champions League commitments. Coaches from both sides express confidence and determination, promising an exciting match filled with attacking football. As history shows, encounters between these teams often lead to high-scoring games. Will FC Goa continue their momentum, or will Mumbai City reclaim their dominance? Discover the insights and predictions ahead of this thrilling clash.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 11:44 IST

Exciting Semi-Final Ahead

Fatorda (Goa) [India], December 4: The anticipation builds as FC Goa prepares to face Mumbai City FC in the second semi-final of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 at the PJN Stadium this Thursday.

This match features two teams with different preparation styles but shared goals. While Mumbai City comes off a lengthy training period without competitive matches, FC Goa is riding the momentum from their challenging AFC Champions League Two fixtures.

With a spot in the final and a chance to return to continental competition on the line, both teams are set to deliver their best performances.

Mumbai City FC's head coach, Petr Kratky, expressed satisfaction with the team's recent training efforts, stating, “I’m pleased with our progress. Goa is a formidable opponent, currently in rhythm from their ACL Two matches, but we have prepared thoroughly.”

This marks Mumbai City's third consecutive appearance in the Super Cup semi-finals. Midfielder Brandon Fernandes, aiming for a deep cup run and a first final for the Islanders, shared the team's determination: “This is a crucial semi-final for us. We’ve trained hard and are eager to win and return to AFC competition.”

Kratky emphasized the importance of learning from past experiences, saying, “Our goal is to make our fans proud through dedication and character.” He also reiterated the team's commitment to their aggressive, attacking style of play, which defines Mumbai City’s football identity.

Fernandes, who previously played for FC Goa and won the Super Cup in 2019, remarked, “That was in the past. Tomorrow is about the present. My focus is on helping the team win, regardless of my history with Goa.”

He acknowledged the strength of FC Goa, noting, “They have been training intensively. We need to execute our strategies effectively and leverage our strengths to challenge them.”

On the flip side, FC Goa's head coach, Manolo Marquez, recognized the unique challenges his team faces. “We are in a different situation due to our involvement in the AFC Champions League Two. While we are training and playing more, the gaps between matches can be mentally taxing. However, we are ready. Competing in strong matches is more beneficial than training alone,” he stated.

Marquez also reflected on the learning experiences from their ACL matches, saying, “We deserved points in at least two games but fell short. Nevertheless, the experience gained is invaluable.”

Young defender Ronney Wilson Kharbudon, who made his debut against Al Nassr last month, shared his thoughts: “Playing in such matches is crucial for our development. It’s been a significant learning curve, and we are focused on reaching the final.”

Historically, encounters between FC Goa and Mumbai City have been high-scoring, with 16 goals in their last five meetings. Mumbai City had a ten-match unbeaten streak against Goa before Marquez’s team broke it with a 3-1 victory in their last encounter in February.

Marquez concluded, “Every competition is unique. Mumbai City is one of the top teams in the ISL, featuring strong foreign and national players. Although we lost some matches, we won the last ISL meeting 3-1. Tomorrow’s match will be different, as both teams are eager to reach the final. Goa and Mumbai consistently deliver entertaining football, and both prefer an attacking possession style. It promises to be an exciting match, but in football, anything can happen.”