 "Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC played out an evenly-fought contest in the ISL 2024-25 season opener on Friday. PTI")
Defending ISL Cup champions Mumbai City FC gave a timely reminder as to why a majority of the opposition teams will be in for a hard time against them, as they scripted a spirited comeback to draw 2-2 against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) opener in Kolkata on Friday.
At one stage of the match, particularly in the first-half, the Islanders seemed to be down on confidence and rhythm in the game. And in stark contrast, Mohun Bagan, the reigning ISL Shield winners, executed their plans to perfection. So much so that, the Mariners took an early 1-0 lead in the ninth minute.
As it happened | Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Mumbai City FC, ISL Match 1
Costly error from Mumbai City FC
That goal was a costly error from Mumbai City FC, after Mohun Bagan’s Liston Colaco had made a run down the left wing. Before Mumbai City FC goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa could realise that Colaco was rushing in, the latter put in a low cross right past the keeper, but not before taking a deflection off Mumbai City defender Tiri near the post, as he endured an own goal.
Tiri, however, would make amends for that error, scoring the opening goal for his side in the 70th minute, and that was what ignited Mumbai City FC’s spirited comeback. The season-opener at the Salt Lake stadium had everything —Hits, misses, intense player battles, but the only thing that the match lacked was a winner. Yet, fans were treated to an entertaining contest between the two sides, who had locked horns at the final of the 2023-24 ISL season at the same venue.
Mumbai City FC could have taken a lead, as early as in the fourth minute through Bipin Singh. Chhangte had got hold of the ball on this occasion, and set it up for Jon Toral, who was at the end of the penalty box. However, it was eventually Bipin Singh who got a touch in the end, and with Bipin placing himself in front of the last Mohun Bagan defender near the goalpost, the goal was ruled out offside.
With Mumbai 0-1 down after the first 10 minutes, Nikolaos Karelis, one of their newest recruits had a chance to equalise. He attempted scoring a goal from a close range via a header, only for his attempt to end up going wide. Mumbai City FC had their chances in the first half, but looked a shadow of themselves after having failed to capitalise on those.
However, the hosts made them pay in the 28th minute by doubling the lead when Alberto Rodriguez slotted it past Lachenpa after Greg Stewart headed it into the danger area from a corner.
Following their second goal, Jose Molina’s men gained more midfield control, forcing Kratky to turn to Jeremy Manzorro, replacing debutant Jon Toral in the middle within the first half itself.
How Mumbai City FC turned the match around
Despite being two goals down, the Islanders started the second half with much panache. Bipin and Lallianzuala Chhangte made darting runs in behind, troubling the Mariners’ backline but the goal kept eluding them.
Their relentless attacks finally paid dividends when Tiri found the net for the Islanders following a brilliant delivery from Karelis. The hosts were caught napping as the ball landed kindly for the Spanish defender in the far post, he calmly turned it past Vishal Kaith, bringing the visitors back in the game.
The introduction of Noufal PN did bring a lot of flair to the left flank for the Islanders. The 23-year-old showed a lot of promise since coming off the bench in the second half. The youngster continued troubling the Mohun Bagan Super Giant backline and eventually found substitute Thaer Krouma in the box, who hammered the ball home to restore parity for the visitors in the dying moments of the match, salvaging a crucial point.
Key Performer of the Match: Noufal PN (Mumbai City FC)
Noufal PN on his ISL debut for Mumbai City FC produced a performance which he can be proud of. The 23-year-old winger came off the bench in the 63rd minute and produced the assist for Krouma’s crucial goal. He also completed 11 of his attempted 14 passes while creating two chances for the visitors.
What’s next for both teams?
Mohun Bagan Super Giant will now welcome NorthEast United next on 23 September in a rematch of the Durand Cup 2024 final, whereas Mumbai City will travel to face Jamshedpur FC on 21 September in search of their first win of the season.
Brief Scores: Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2 (Tiri OG 9’, Alberto Rodriguez 28’) - 2 Mumbai City FC (Tiri 70’, Thaer Krouma 90’)