Nikalos karelis

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium: Two strikes in the first half from Nikalos Karelis and Yoell van Niff helped Mumbai City FC grab their maiden victory of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season with a 2-1 win over FC Goa in a closely fought encounter at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Saturday evening.

The Islanders extended their unbeaten streak to 13 games against the Gaurs to reaffirm their upper hand in the recent history of the fixture. The two goals by Karelis and Yoell van Niff were sufficient for the Islanders as the spot-kick that Armando Sadiku converted for the home side in the second half of the game came only as consolation.

This win, for the Petr Kratky-coached unit made possible by their Dutch midfielder Yoell van Nieff, whose sublime skillsets in the offensive half of the field helped the visitors repeatedly pierce through a well-organised FC Goa backline. Hmingthanmawia Ralte, commonly known as Valpuia, was an energetic presence for Mumbai City FC and it was he who earned a free-kick for them from the right flank in the 21st minute that led to the Karelis' opener.