Mumbai, May 6: In a thrilling match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26, East Bengal FC staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Mumbai City FC 2-1 on Tuesday. After trailing, substitutes Yusuf Ajeezari and Nand Kumar each scored a goal in the second half, overturning Brandon Fernandes’ initial lead.
The ‘Red and Gold Brigade’ showcased an impressive performance in the second half, earning three points and climbing to the top of the table with 21 points from 10 matches, surpassing Jamshedpur FC on goal difference. Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC slipped to fifth place with 19 points from 11 matches, marking their first home defeat of the season. East Bengal’s center-back Kevin Lionel Sibil was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding defensive display.
Petr Kratky’s team started aggressively at the Mumbai Football Arena, applying pressure early on. However, center-backs Sibil and Anwar Ali held firm in the initial moments. Despite this, the ‘Islanders’ (Mumbai City FC) scored first. In the 8th minute, a long throw-in from left-back Akash Mishra created chaos in the box, allowing midfielder Brandon Fernandes to react swiftly and unleash a powerful left-footed shot into the top-left corner of the net.
Mumbai City FC continued to create clear chances. Around the 15th minute, winger Vikram Pratap Singh surged down the right but was thwarted by defender Jikson Singh. Shortly after, Laliana Zuala Chhangte also had a good opportunity to score but missed the target.
East Bengal FC gradually found their footing in the match but struggled to penetrate the opponent’s final third. Mumbai City FC remained the more dangerous team, and just before halftime, Brandon tested goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill once again. During halftime, Oscar Bruzon made three attacking substitutions, bringing on forward Miguel Figuera, striker Yusuf Ajeezari, and midfielder Souvik Chakraborty. The impact was immediate, as East Bengal began to challenge Mumbai City’s defense.
The equalizer came in the 58th minute. After a challenge by Kouko in the box, East Bengal was awarded a penalty. Substitute Ajeezari stepped up and struck the ball powerfully into the bottom corner of the net.
Mumbai City attempted to respond quickly. In the 61st minute, Chhangte forced a brilliant save from Gill, but East Bengal held their ground. Around the 71st minute, the visitors took the lead. Following a move initiated by Figuera, substitute Nand Kumar cut in from the left and took a shot from the edge of the box. The ball deflected slightly off defender Bijay Chhetri, deceiving Lachinpa and finding the back of the net for a 2-1 lead. In the final moments, the Islanders made a strong effort, but East Bengal’s defense stood resolute.
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