Published: March 21, 2026 at 9:27 pm
Noufal PN’s first-half strike, backed by a standout performance from their goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa and a disciplined defensive display, guided Mumbai City FC to a 1-0 victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Friday.
Mumbai City FC moved to the top of the standings with this victory, staying unbeaten and going one point clear of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who slipped to second with 13 points. Phurba Lachenpa was adjudged the Player of the Match for a series of crucial saves.
Mumbai City hold off spirited Inter Kashi fightback on way to 2-1 victory in the ISL
The contest began at a lively tempo, with Mohun Bagan dominating possession in the early exchanges, while Mumbai City looked to threaten on the counter. Noufal PN had the first attempt in the sixth minute but fired over from distance after being set up by captain Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Noufal gives Mumbai City the advantage
The Mariners continued to control the ball, with right winger Liston Colaco seeing his effort blocked by Mumbai City centre-back Nuno Reis in the 19th minute. The Islanders responded with a swift counterattack three minutes later as Chhangte found himself one-on-one with Vishal Kaith, but the goalkeeper stood firm to deny him before Mehtab Singh cleared the danger.
The Islanders took the lead in the 27th minute following a well-worked team move. A swift switch of play between four Mumbai City players from right to left found Noufal PN in space, and the winger produced a composed right-footed finish into the far corner to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
Bagan repeatedly denied by Lachenpa
Mohun Bagan pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but were repeatedly denied by Lachenpa. The Mumbai goalkeeper made an excellent diving save in the 40th minute to keep out Jason Cummings’ header, and followed it up with a series of stops to deny Dimitri Petratos from distance.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory for Mumbai City FC, as they ended Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s unbeaten run and climbed to the top of the table heading into the international break. Pics: ISL
At the other end, the Islanders also threatened, with Chhangte, Jorge Ortiz, and Pereyra Díaz testing Kaith, who produced back-to-back saves to keep his side in the game. Despite end-to-end action, Mumbai City carried a slender 1-0 lead into the break.
Despite relentless pressure and dominating possession, Mohun Bagan were unable to find the breakthrough as Mumbai City’s organised defensive unit held firm.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory for Mumbai City FC, as they ended Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s unbeaten run and climbed to the top of the table heading into the international break.
Rahul’s brace helps Odisha down NEUFC
Two goals from Rahul KP saw Odisha FC register a comprehensive 4-1 victory over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.
Rahul KP handed Odisha FC an early lead before Macarton Nickson drew NorthEast United FC level, but debutant Subham Bhattacharya restored the advantage prior to the break. Highlanders right back Muthu Mayakkannan was sent off in the first half. Rahul KP then added his second in the second half, before an own goal by Bekey Oram.
The Juggernauts registered their first win of the campaign to move up to ninth in the standings with five points and two games in hand, while NorthEast United FC remain seventh with six points. Rahul KP was adjudged the Player of the Match for his brace.
Two goals from Rahul KP saw Odisha FC register a comprehensive 4-1 victory over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday
Odisha made an early impact in the sixth minute following a defensive lapse from the hosts. Striker Rahim Ali’s pressure on NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh worked as the ball fell kindly for the former, who sent it to Rahul to finish calmly.
NEUFC level scores but it is short-lived
The Highlanders responded immediately. In the 10th minute, Parthib Gogoi surged down the left flank and set up Macarton Nickson, who finished with a composed right-footed strike from inside the box to level the scores at 1-1.
Odisha regained the lead in the 24th minute through debutant Subham. From a corner delivered by Isak, Rahim flicked the ball into the danger area, where Subham reacted quickest to stab it into the bottom-right corner and make it 2-1.
Odisha gradually grew into the game and capitalised on their numerical advantage. In the 65th minute, Rahul KP found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper following a fast break and finished confidently to extend the lead to 3-1.
The visitors added a fourth just three minutes later. A cross into the box by right back Vanlalzuidika found Ali, and eventually Isak, who immediately smashed it into the goal. NorthEast midfielder Bekey tried to clear it but could only hit the roof of his own net, making it 4-1 in the 68th minute for the visitors.
Results: Mohun Bagan Super Giant 0 lost to Mumbai City FC 1 (Noufal PN 27’).
NorthEast United FC 1 (Macarton Nickson 10’) lost to Odisha FC 4 (Rahul KP 6’, 65’, Subham Bhattacharya 24’, Bekey Oram 68’ OG).
