Mumbai City FC Triumphs Over Inter Kashi in Thrilling ISL Clash
Mumbai City FC Secures Victory
In a gripping encounter at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, Mumbai City FC managed to fend off a determined challenge from Inter Kashi, clinching a 2-1 win in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 on Sunday. This victory marked the Islanders' third win of the season, elevating them to third place in the league standings with a total of 11 points, while Inter Kashi remained in eighth position with five points. Lallianzuala Chhangte, the captain of the Islanders, was named Player of the Match as per the official announcement.
Strong Start by Mumbai
Mumbai City FC dominated the early stages of the match, applying consistent pressure on their opponents. Ayush Chhikara, playing as a left winger, made the first attempt on goal in the fourth minute, but his close-range shot was easily saved by Inter Kashi's goalkeeper, Lluis Tarres.
Chhikara had another opportunity in the 18th minute, but his right-footed shot went just wide after receiving a pass from Chhangte. Ortiz also tried to score from distance in the 20th minute but missed the target.
Inter Kashi struggled to create significant chances early on, with Sumeet Passi's shot from outside the box in the 22nd minute being blocked by the Mumbai defense. Despite Mumbai's possession dominance, Inter Kashi maintained a solid defensive structure and looked to counterattack. Llamas managed to force a save from Lachenpa in the 42nd minute with a shot from the right.
Noufal Scores the Opener
The first goal came just before halftime. In stoppage time, a corner taken by Chhangte was converted by midfielder Noufal PN, giving Mumbai City FC a narrow lead going into the break.
Exciting Second Half with Rapid Goals
The second half began with Inter Kashi showing renewed energy, quickly equalizing in the 51st minute. Sandip Mandi delivered an excellent cross from the left, which Rohit Danu headed in from close range to make it 1-1.
However, Mumbai responded almost immediately. Just a minute later, Ortiz sent a through ball into the penalty area, finding Chhangte, who calmly finished with his left foot, restoring Mumbai's lead in the 52nd minute.
Mumbai Holds On Despite Late Pressure
As the match progressed, both teams pushed for more goals. Petkevicius tested Lachenpa with a close-range shot, while Danu attempted a long-range effort that required another save from the Mumbai goalkeeper. At the other end, Noufal's shot was denied by Tarres.
Inter Kashi continued to seek an equalizer, with Petkevicius shooting wide from distance in the 58th minute and Llamas narrowly missing the target with a header from a Danu cross in the 67th minute.
Mumbai faced a setback late in the game when Hmingthanmawia Ralte received a red card, reducing them to ten men. In the final moments, Inter Kashi pressed hard, with midfielder Wayne Vaz forcing a critical save from Lachenpaa. Despite hitting the crossbar twice and sustained pressure, Inter Kashi could not find the equalizer, allowing Mumbai City FC to secure a 2-1 victory.