ISL 2017-18: FC Goa sign Senegalese defender Mourtada Fall

FC Goa have announced the signing of centre-back Serigne Mourtada Fall for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

The 30-year-old had three stints with Moghreb Tetouan, the last two sandwiched by a couple of years with Wydad AC. Just like Hugo Boumous and Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtana also trained under current head coach of FC Goa Sergio Lobera during his time at Tetouan.

Beginning his senior career Tetouan where he spent six years from 2006, Mourtada spent the next two seasons with two different Kuwait-based sides Al-Arabi SC and Al-Salmiya SC before returning to Tetouan. He won the Moroccan League, Botola, twice and the CAF (Confederation of African Football) Champions League once, all with Wydad.

FC Goa have retained Boumous, Jahouh, Bruno Pinheiro, Edu Bedia and Golden Boot winner Ferran Corominas from the previous season among the foreigners. The Gaurs, however, have lost midfield sensation Manuel Lanzarote to ATK in this season's the transfer dealings.

The Goan side's best record in the ISL was when they reached the final which they lost to Chennaiyin FC in dramatic fashion in 2015 and have reached the play-offs in all seasons baring once, the 2016 edition.

After joining the ISL side, Mourtada said, " I am very happy to be signing for FC Goa and have heard many great things about the club and fans from Sergio (Lobera). I can't wait to start this new adventure with the Gaurs."

Goa coach Sergio Lobera praised the player saying, "Fall is a powerful centre-back and is physically very strong. He is an excellent player who will suit our system of playing the ball out of defence. He will definitely help us improve our game defensively. He is a dedicated and committed player who puts the team first. I know him well from my time in Morocco.”