Boss Kratky hails Chhangte as Mumbai City host Goa today

Petr Kratky

Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky has encouraged his team to optimise their home advantage in Monday's decisive Indian Super League semi-final second leg against FC Goa at the Mumbai Football Arena.

The Islanders produced a late comeback to win the opening leg of their last-four clash against the Gaurs 3-2 at the Fatorda Stadium last week.

Trailing by 0-2 until the 90th minute, a brace by Lallianzuala Chhangte and a solitary strike by Vikram Partap Singh in added time saw the ISL 2022-23 champions win bragging rights against Manolo Marquez's men with a one goal advantage.

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However, despite Mumbai City and needing only a draw, Kratky wants his s boys to avoid basking in their glory from Goa and look to win and make it to the summit clash. "We know it'll be a difficult game against a quality opposition. For me, the game starts 0-0 again. Whatever happened in the previous leg doesn't matter. Whoever wins this one goes through to the final, and we have to go for a win. We have to use our power and score goals," Kratky said in the pre-match press conference
on Sunday. Kratky praised incumbent ISL Golden Ball-winner Chhangte, who inspired their breath-taking turnaround with two timely strikes.

Chhangte took time to find his footing earlier in the campaign, but picked up form recently to sizzle for the Islanders. He has nine goals from 23 appearances.

"Chhangte is one of the best players in India, doing what he needs to do, which is working hard, and scoring goals. He has managed to bounce back from the start of the season and has been scoring goals and contributing to the cause of the team. He deserves all the recognition he's getting at the moment," Kratky said.