Mourtada, a ‘Fall’ that keeps rising in ISL

A lynchpin for Goa in the past two Indian Super League (ISL) seasons, Mourtada has forged a deadly central defensive combination with Spaniard Carlos Pena. With two gigantic walls protecting teenager Mohammad Nawaz between the sticks, rival frontmen are usually forced to come up strenuous efforts to navigate past the well-drilled backline.

“We just help each other so that we can make a nice pairing. Keeping a clean sheet is a big task, so we will have to constantly communicate to achieve it. Pena is a strong presence in the centre of the defence and it feels good to partner him,” Mourtada, whose performances often go unnoticed because of Goa’s dazzling attacking play, told DT Next.

Midway through the sixth edition of the top-tier league in the country, Sergio Lobera-managed Goa is positioned at the summit with 21 points from 10 fixtures, three more than closest rival ATK. Mourtada felt Goa’s current form – a four-match winning run – augurs well for the 2018-19 ISL finalist going into the business end of the competition.

“The positioning of a team on the table makes a huge difference. Now that we are on top, we are moving into the second half (of the season) with more confidence. We need to keep this momentum and continue the same way game after game,” said the 32-year-old. With every passing edition, Goa has made positive strides under Lobera, inching closer to that elusive trophy.

While the side made it to the play-offs in the 2017-18 season, it fell agonisingly to holder Bengaluru FC in the final the following campaign. Asked if Goa is confident of going one step better this time around, Mourtada responded, “Yes, of course. So many members of our squad have a lot of ISL experience. Last season, we made good progress. This edition, we have got almost the same team. Our objective is to clinch the title.”

Mourtada, who has appeared thrice for the Teranga Lions at the international level, is delighted to see compatriots Sadio Mane (Liverpool) and Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli) stay among the crème de la crème of football players in the world.

“I am very happy, not just because they are from Senegal but because they are from Africa. It’s not easy to get to the top, there are a lot of challenges. I want them to keep going. Maybe one day, Mane will win the Golden Ball award and Ballon d’Or,” added Mourtada.