Kolkata, March 15 (NationPress) In a thrilling encounter at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Mumbai City FC overcame a determined challenge from Inter Kashi to clinch a 2-1 victory during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 on Sunday. This win marked their third of the season, elevating them to third place with 11 points, while Inter Kashi remained in eighth with 5 points. The standout performer of the match was Mumbai's captain Lallianzuala Chhangte, who earned the Player of the Match award.

The Islanders dominated the initial stages, applying consistent pressure on their opponents. Left winger Ayush Chhikara was the first to threaten in the fourth minute, but his close-range shot was well saved by Inter Kashi's goalkeeper Lluis Tarrés. Chhikara nearly scored again in the 18th minute, dragging a right-footed attempt just wide after a setup from Chhangte.

Ortíz also sought to find the net from distance in the 20th minute but missed the target. Inter Kashi struggled to create clear chances early on, with Sumeet Passi attempting a blocked shot from outside the box in the 22nd minute.

While the Islanders controlled possession, Inter Kashi remained defensively solid and looked to counter. Llamas tested Lachenpa with a strike from the right in the 42nd minute, forcing a save.

The game's first goal came in deep stoppage time of the first half. From a corner taken by Chhangte, midfielder Noufal PN found the back of the net, granting Mumbai City FC a narrow lead at halftime.

Inter Kashi emerged from the break with renewed energy, equalizing shortly after the restart. In the 51st minute, Sandip Mandi sent in an excellent cross from the left that Rohit Danu converted with a close-range header, leveling the score at 1-1.

However, the visitors quickly responded. Just a minute later, Ortíz delivered a precise through ball from the left into the penalty area, where Chhangte finished coolly with his left foot, regaining the lead for Mumbai in the 52nd minute.

The match opened up as both teams chased further goals. Petkevičius challenged Lachenpa with a close-range effort, while Danu attempted a long-range shot that required another save from the Mumbai keeper. At the other end, Noufal threatened but was denied by Tarrés.

Inter Kashi continued to press for an equalizer. In the 58th minute, Petkevičius shot wide from distance, and Llamas narrowly missed with a header from a Danu cross in the 67th minute.

As the match approached its conclusion, Mumbai was reduced to ten men when Hmingthanmawia Ralte received a red card. Inter Kashi pushed forward in the final moments, with midfielder Wayne Vaz forcing a crucial save from Lachenpa.

Despite late pressure and two shots hitting the crossbar in the dying minutes, Inter Kashi could not equalize, allowing Mumbai City FC to secure a 2-1 victory.