ISL 2026/27: Jithin MS seals dramatic 1-0 win for NorthEast United FC over Mohun Bagan SG
Synopsis
Jithin M.S. came off the bench and broke Mohun Bagan Super Giant hearts in the 90+2nd minute, converting a rebound off the post to give NorthEast United FC a 1-0 win in their ISL 2026/27 home opener at Guwahati — a result made even more dramatic by two woodwork strikes for the visitors.
Key Takeaways
NorthEast United FC defeated Mohun Bagan Super Giant 1-0 in their ISL 2026/27 opener at Guwahati on 13 October 2026 .
Substitute Jithin M.S. scored the only goal in the 90+2nd minute , converting a rebound off the post.
Mohun Bagan struck the woodwork twice — through Lee Erwin (9th minute) and Suhail Bhat (87th minute) — without scoring.
Gurmeet Singh made crucial saves to keep NorthEast United in the match during sustained Bagan pressure.
A Alaeddine Ajaraie goal for NorthEast was ruled out for offside before the winning strike arrived.
NorthEast United FC opened their ISL 2026/27 home campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant at Guwahati on Monday, 13 October 2026, courtesy of a last-gasp strike from substitute Jithin M.S. in the 90+2nd minute. The late winner sent the home crowd into a frenzy and handed the Highlanders a crucial three points in their season opener.
How the Goal Came
The decisive moment arrived deep in added time when Vishal Kaith, the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper, saved an initial effort, only for the rebound to cannon off the post and fall perfectly for Jithin M.S., who reacted quickest to slot home. It was a stunning conclusion to a tightly contested encounter that had seemed destined to end goalless.
Key Moments in the Match
NorthEast United created the first opening within the very first minute, though Kaith was alert to deny it. Mohun Bagan then came close in the 9th minute when Lee Erwin's set-piece effort struck the woodwork, a moment that foreshadowed the evening's theme of near-misses. Alaeddine Ajaraie subsequently put the ball in the net with a long-range effort, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
In the 87th minute, Bagan came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when substitute Suhail Bhat connected with a cross from Liston Colaco, only for his effort to strike the woodwork — the second time the posts denied the visitors on the night.
Substitutions That Shaped the Game
Jithin M.S. was introduced in place of Asheer Akhtar at the start of the second half and wasted no time making his mark. Mohun Bagan brought on Manvir Singh for Chhangte at the same interval, before making further attacking changes in the 59th minute — Liston Colaco and Miguel Figueira replacing Sahal Samad and Lee Erwin. NorthEast United responded with a double substitution, introducing Parthib Gogoi and Nikola for Macarton Nickson and Ethyan Gonzalez respectively.
Goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh's Role
Gurmeet Singh in the NorthEast goal was equally influential, producing a string of crucial saves as Mohun Bagan pressed for an opener in the second half. His performance ensured the Highlanders remained competitive until the very end, allowing Jithin's winner to mean something.
What This Result Means
The win marks a positive start for NorthEast United FC in the new ISL season, with three points banked on home soil. For Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the defeat — and in particular the two woodwork strikes — will be a source of frustration heading into their next fixture. This is the kind of result that can shape early-season momentum, and the Highlanders will draw significant confidence from a victory secured against one of the league's most formidable sides.
Point of View
Which raises questions about Mohun Bagan's defensive composure late in matches. The visitors hit the woodwork twice and had a goal ruled out, yet failed to convert clear second-half opportunities — a pattern that could prove costly against more clinical opponents across a long ISL season.
NationPress
13 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between NorthEast United FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL 2026/27?
NorthEast United FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 1-0 in their ISL 2026/27 season opener at Guwahati on 13 October 2026. The only goal came from substitute Jithin M.S. in the 90+2nd minute.
Who scored the winning goal for NorthEast United FC?
Jithin M.S. scored the decisive goal, converting a rebound off the post after Vishal Kaith saved the initial effort. He had been introduced as a second-half substitute for Asheer Akhtar at the start of the second half.
How close did Mohun Bagan come to scoring?
Mohun Bagan struck the woodwork twice — Lee Erwin hit the post from a set-piece in the 9th minute, and substitute Suhail Bhat struck the woodwork in the 87th minute after connecting with a Liston Colaco cross. Additionally, an Alaeddine Ajaraie long-range effort for NorthEast was ruled out for offside.
Who was the standout goalkeeper in the match?
Gurmeet Singh, the NorthEast United goalkeeper, was outstanding, producing crucial saves as Mohun Bagan pressed for a goal in the second half. His performance kept the Highlanders in the contest until the late winner arrived.
What does this result mean for NorthEast United FC's ISL 2026/27 campaign?
The victory gives NorthEast United FC three points from their first home game of the ISL 2026/27 season, providing a strong platform at the start of the campaign. Beating a heavyweight like Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a close encounter will boost confidence and home-crowd momentum significantly.
