Kolkata, March 20 (NationPress) A remarkable first-half goal from Noufal PN, complemented by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa and a solid defensive effort, propelled Mumbai City FC to a narrow 1-0 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Friday.

This triumph allowed Mumbai City FC to ascend to the pinnacle of the league standings, remaining unbeaten and pulling one point ahead of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who now sits in second place with 13 points. Lachenpa was named Player of the Match after making several vital saves.

In a tactical reshuffle, Mohun Bagan's head coach Sergio Lobera made two alterations to the starting lineup, introducing Mehtab Singh and Jason Cummings in midfield. Meanwhile, Mumbai City's coach Petr Kratky opted for one change, bringing Jorge Pereyra Díaz into the starting squad.

The match kicked off with high energy, as Mohun Bagan seized early possession while Mumbai City aimed to capitalize on counterattacks. Noufal PN registered the first attempt in the sixth minute but missed the target after being set up by captain Lallianzuala Chhangte.

The Mariners maintained control, with right winger Liston Colaco having a shot blocked by Mumbai City's centre-back Nuno Reis in the 19th minute. The Islanders quickly responded with a counter, as Chhangte found himself in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, who successfully denied him before Mehtab Singh cleared the threat.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute following a well-executed team play. A rapid switch from four Mumbai City players found Noufal PN, who calmly finished with his right foot into the far corner, granting the visitors a 1-0 lead.

Desperate for an equalizer, Mohun Bagan pressed forward, but were thwarted repeatedly by Lachenpa. The Mumbai goalkeeper made a spectacular diving save to stop a header from Jason Cummings in the 40th minute, followed by several stops to keep Dimitri Petratos at bay from long range.

At the other end, the Islanders also posed a threat, with efforts from Chhangte, Jorge Ortiz, and Pereyra Díaz all challenging Kaith, who made consecutive saves to keep his team in contention. Despite the back-and-forth action, Mumbai City held a slim 1-0 advantage at halftime.

The second half unfolded similarly, with Mohun Bagan dominating possession, while Mumbai City remained a threat on the counter. Colaco tested Lachenpa early in the second half, and Vikram Pratap Singh forced a save from Kaith shortly after.

Maclaren came close in the 60th minute but shot wide, and moments later, Petratos believed he had equalized after a rebound, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. Lachenpa continued to shine, making another outstanding save in the 69th minute to deny Mohun Bagan once more.

The Mariners ramped up the pressure in the final minutes, with Sahal Abdul Samad narrowly missing from distance in the 90th minute. Petratos also had a late chance from a free-kick but could not keep his shot on target.

In the end, despite their relentless efforts and possession dominance, Mohun Bagan could not find an equalizer, as Mumbai City’s well-organized defense held strong. The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory for Mumbai City FC, ending Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s unbeaten streak and propelling Mumbai City to the top of the league as they head into the international break.