Goals from Tiri and Thaer Krouma proved vital for Mumbai City FC as they fought back with great determination to secure a 2-2 draw against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on the opening day of the Indian Super League season. The match, held at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Friday, saw an intense battle from start to finish.
Mumbai City FC were eager to begin the season on a strong note, dominating possession in the early minutes. Both Lallianzuala Chhangte and Nikos Karelis had early chances, but it was the hosts who took the lead after 10 minutes against the run of play, courtesy of an unfortunate deflection. Despite conceding, the Islanders pressed on, with their wingers regularly delivering crosses in search of an equalizer.
However, half an hour into the game, Mumbai City found themselves further behind as Alberto Rodríguez capitalized on a chance in the box, doubling Mohun Bagan’s lead. Mumbai’s Bipin Singh and Chhangte continued to threaten from the flanks, but their efforts were not enough to break through before halftime. At the break, Mumbai City FC trailed 2-0.
The Islanders came out determined in the second half, and early on, Valpuia made a crucial recovery run to deny the hosts a dangerous opportunity. The game then became more balanced, with both teams creating chances. As the half wore on, the rain in Kolkata intensified, but Mumbai's slick passing caused concerns for Mohun Bagan’s defense.
With 20 minutes left, Mumbai City finally found their breakthrough. Tiri struck from close range to pull one back for the Islanders, igniting a renewed sense of urgency. Mumbai City FC pushed hard for an equalizer, launching a series of attacks as they camped in the opposition half.
Their persistence paid off in the 90th minute when Noufal made a surging run down the wing, delivering a perfect cross to Thaer Krouma, who calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to level the score at 2-2. In the five minutes of stoppage time, both teams pushed for a winner, but neither could find the decisive goal, and the match ended in a hard-fought draw.
