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ISL 2024-25 | Mumbai City FC vs Chennaiyin FC Highlights | The only goal from Karelis seals the deal for Mumbai | FT MCFC 1-0 CFC

Catch the highlights of the Mumbai City FC vs Chennaiyin FC football match this evening in the ISL 2024-25 at the Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai.

Dec 21, 2024, 1:28 PMโ€ข2 min read

isl-2024-25-mumbai-city-fc-vs-chennaiyin-fc-live-news-updates-scores-and-commentary - sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | ISL on X)

Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Indian football as we continue bringing you all the live updates of Indian Super League 2024-25. Today, we will get you all the live updates, news, and scores of the all-important face-off between Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC at the Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai, where the game is set to kick off at 5:00 PM IST. 

Build Up

Mumbai City FC are the reigning champions but have been facing a troublesome season with an inconsistent display. Although they have managed to bag 17 points in 11 games so far, the Islanders are currently 7th on the league table. Managing only two wins in their last five matches, the Mumbai side must salvage all three points against Chennaiyin to reduce their gap with Jamshedpur FC, who are now placed sixth, having played one game less. Head Coach Petr Kratky is under immense pressure but a win may help the team progress in the knock-out qualification race. 

Chennaiyin FC are also not in a very contrasting scenario to Mumbai this season, having obtained 15 points in 12 matches so far. Currently placed 9th, the Marina Machans have faced three defeats in their last five appearances which has already taken a toll on their hopes of knock-out qualification. To keep themselves relevant in the race, the Chennai outfit will need to snatch a win away today. Chennaiyin have faced some goalscoring woes as well, scoring only once in their last four matches. However, head coach Owen Coyle must lead his team to a much-needed win today. 

Mumbai City and Chennaiyin already faced once this season which saw a 1-1 draw in Chennai in November, but today's game will surely offer a more engaging scenario. So, enjoy the match and keep an eye here as we bring you all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, and commentary of the Mumbai City FC vs Chennaiyin FC match match in the Indian Super League 2024-25

This is Soumit Bhattacharya, who will bring you all the updates of the match from the web desk.

LIVE Updates

Dec 21, 2024, 1:26 PM

90+7' | Here goes the final whistle! Mumbai emerge victorious after a thrilling game!

Image

Dec 21, 2024, 1:25 PM

90+6' | Unbelievable! Chhangte flies it over!

Mumbai captain Chhangte anticipates a pass from Karelis in the final third but unbelievably flies it over from right in front of the goal. 

Dec 21, 2024, 1:22 PM

90+4' | Substitution for Mumbai City FC

In: Franklin Nazareth

Out: Brandon Fernandes

Dec 21, 2024, 1:20 PM

90+1' | Close for Chennai again!

Karelis clears the danger as he comes in rescue to deny a Chennai corner. 

Dec 21, 2024, 1:18 PM

90' | 7 minutes of injury time announced for the final half.

Dec 21, 2024, 1:17 PM

87' | A lucky denial!

A close shot following a Mumbai corner deflects Mohammad Nawaz's head to roll away! Mumbai goes very close to sealing the win. 

Dec 21, 2024, 1:13 PM

84' | Substituion for Chennaiyin FC

In: Gurkirat Singh 

Out: Lukas Brambilla

Dec 21, 2024, 1:12 PM

84' | Mehtab's header goes off target

Mehtab attempts a header from an inviting cross, but it goes off the target. 

Dec 21, 2024, 1:07 PM

79' | Ryan Edwards is shown a yellow

Chennaiyin captain Ryan Edwards is now shown a yellow for a foul. 

Dec 21, 2024, 1:06 PM

78' | Rehenesh punches it away!

Brambilla delivers a lofted cross, as Rehenesh punches the ball away to clear the danger!

Dec 21, 2024, 1:02 PM

74' | Substitution for Mumbai City FC

In: Sahil Panwar

Out: Nathan Rodrigues

Dec 21, 2024, 1:00 PM

72' | Chukwu gets a booking

Chima Chukwu receives a yellow card for a nasty foul on Mehtab Singh.

Dec 21, 2024, 12:59 PM

70' | Chukwu heads it straight to Rehenesh

Irfan Yadwad delivers a beautiful cross inside the box but Chukwu heads it straight to Rehenesh as he collects it easily. 

Dec 21, 2024, 12:57 PM

69' | Vincy receives an instant yellow

Vincy gets a booking for a foul right after coming onto the pitch.

Dec 21, 2024, 12:56 PM

67' | Substitutions for Chennaiyin FC

In: Vincy Barretto, Farukh Chowdhury

Out: Jitendra Singh, Kiyan Nassiri

Dec 21, 2024, 12:52 PM

64' | Substitution for Mumbai City FC

In: Bipin Singh

Out: Jayesh Rane

Dec 21, 2024, 12:49 PM

61' | Valpuia receives a yellow

Valpuia also receives a warning as he sees a yellow for a foul. He will miss the next match for Mumbai. 

Dec 21, 2024, 12:46 PM

58' | Brandon gets a booking

Brandon Fernandes gets Mumbai City's first booking of the evening.

Dec 21, 2024, 12:42 PM

54' | Nawaz collects the ball

Chhangte aims for an ambitious strike from some distance to the goal but his shot ends up in Nawaz's gloves.

Dec 21, 2024, 12:40 PM

52' | Brilliant effort from Kiyan!

Kiyan Nassiri anticipates the second ball very well, but his left-footed strike is denied by Nathan Rodrigues!

Dec 21, 2024, 12:37 PM

48' | So close for Yadwad!

Yadwad anticipates a brilliant cross from Chukwu but his header hits the crossbar! Unlucky for Yadwad!

Dec 21, 2024, 12:33 PM

45' | The second half is on a go!

Dec 21, 2024, 12:18 PM

45+3' | The half-time whistle is blown. Mumbai leads at the break.

Image

Dec 21, 2024, 12:15 PM

45' | 2 minutes of added time is announced.

Dec 21, 2024, 12:13 PM

42' | Luck favours Mumbai!

Rehenesh fails to grip the ball and he spills it in front of Chennaiyin players. Chukwu's header goes inside the net but the assistant referee raises the flag for offside. Lucky escape for the Mumbai side! 

Dec 21, 2024, 12:11 PM

41' | Dinliana denies Karelis

Dinliana makes a clear tackle to deny Karelis. 

Dec 21, 2024, 12:09 PM

38' | Another wasted chance from Vikram

Vikram Pratap Singh attempts another strike from a very close angle inside the opponent box, but he lacks accuracy as the ball goes way over the crossbar.

Dec 21, 2024, 12:06 PM

34' | Tiri is CLASS!

Lukas Bambrilla finds himself in a 1v1 situation with Rehenesh and he wastes no time taking the shot. However, Tiri shows his monstrous defensive quality to block Bambrilla's shot right in front of the goal. 

Dec 21, 2024, 12:04 PM

33' | Very close for Mumbai again!

Noeff delivers a pinpoint free-kick inside the box that Chennai's defence fails to clear. Jayesh Rane takes a powerful strike from the second ball but he goes wide off the goal!

Dec 21, 2024, 12:02 PM

30' | Yellow for Laldinpuia

Chennaiyin's Laldinpuia receives the first yellow of the evening for a foul on Lallianzuala Chhangte. 

Dec 21, 2024, 12:00 PM

29' | Yadwad makes a very good block!

Irfan Yadwad shows his defensive ability as he throws himself on the line to block Brandon Fernandes' strike.

Dec 21, 2024, 11:58 AM

27' | Nawaz comes out on top!

Chennaiyin keeper Mohammad Nawaz denies Vikram Pratap Singh, who was but to intercept the ball, as Nawaz punches it away!

Dec 21, 2024, 11:55 AM

23' | Brambilla flies the corner wide

Lukas Brambilla attempts a curling strike from the left corner but it goes past the players in the box to eventually cross the goal-line. 

Dec 21, 2024, 11:53 AM

21' | Too easy for Rehenesh

Chennaiyin delivers a well-taken free-kick inside the box. However, TP Rehenesh easily collects it. 

Dec 21, 2024, 11:49 AM

18' | Brambilla flies it over

Chennaiyin's midfielder Lukas Brambilla shows an ambitious effort to score from some yards off the box, but his shot goes way over the crossover. 

Dec 21, 2024, 11:44 AM

14' | Mumbai is already pushing for more

Vikram Pratap Singh attempts a half-volley from inside the box, but his strike goes inches wide!

Dec 21, 2024, 11:41 AM

11' | Rehenesh collects

Mumbai City goalkeeper Rehenesh comes forward to deny an attempt from Chima Chukwu. 

Dec 21, 2024, 11:39 AM

8' | OFF WE GO! Karelis scores!

What a start to the game! Nikolaos Karelis scores after reflecting a deflected second ball following Nieff's strike. Mumbai gets the lead!

Image

Dec 21, 2024, 11:34 AM

3' | Was that intentional?

Ryan Edwards commits a handball in the penalty box, but the referee Ashwin signals to continue the play. 

Dec 21, 2024, 11:30 AM

1' | Kick-off

The match is underway at Mumbai Football Arena. 

Dec 21, 2024, 11:21 AM

Broadcasting update

Fans can watch the game live on Star Sports 3 as well. 

Dec 21, 2024, 11:20 AM

The hosts have arrived

Dec 21, 2024, 10:30 AM

Line-ups | Chennaiyin FC

Starting XI: Mohammad Nawaz (GK); Ryan Edwards (C), Laldinpuia, Laldinliana, Bikash Yumnam; Jitendra Singh, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Lukas Brambilla; Kiyan Nassiri, Irfan Yadwad, Daniel Chima Chukwu

Subs: Samik, Ankit, Mandar, Vignesh, Jiteshwor, Vincy, Farukh, Gukrirat, Vanspaul

Dec 21, 2024, 10:26 AM

Line-ups | Mumbai City FC

Starting XI: Rehenesh TP (GK); Valpuia, Tiri, Mehtab Singh, Nathan Rodrigues; Jayesh Rane, Brandon Fernandes, Yoell Van Nieff; Vikram Pratap Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte (C), Nikolaos Karelis

Subs: Phurba, Sanjeev, Franklin, Hitesh, Ayush, Bipin, Sahil, Noufal, Hardik 

Dec 21, 2024, 10:01 AM

Warming up

Dec 21, 2024, 10:00 AM

The hosts are getting ready

Dec 21, 2024, 9:59 AM

Head-to-head stats in all competitions

Matches played: 25

Mumbai City FC wins: 14

Chennaiyin FC wins: 7

Draws: 4

Dec 21, 2024, 9:57 AM

The venue

Mumbai Football Arena to host MDFA 3rd Division Finals - Football Counter
(Image Source | Football Counter)

Dec 21, 2024, 9:55 AM

Match Details

Match: Mumbai City FC vs Chennaiyin FC

Date: 21 December 2024

Time: 5:00 PM IST

Venue: Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai

Next Article

Manolo Marquez likely to step down as Indian Football team coach

Manolo Marquez has decided to resign after team's poor performance against Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Jun 11, 2025, 10:46 AMโ€ข2 min read

Manolo Marquez likely to step down as Indian Football team coach

National Football team coach Manolo Marquez has decided to resign after team's poor performance against Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Manolo Marquez, who could not even beat a weak team like Hong Kong, which is 26th behind the Indian team in the FIFA rankings, mailed his resignation to the federation the night after the match. The federation has decided to officially announce the resignation of the national coach around Wednesday afternoon.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Indiaโ€™s hopes of qualifying are now precarious

Indian menโ€™s football has endured a challenging 18 months, marked by a single victory in 16 matches since the start of 2024. A 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Tuesday exacerbated the situation, bringing the teamโ€™s struggles into sharp focus.

Fan discontent with head coach Igor Stimacโ€™s successor, Manolo Marquez, have intensified after a string of demoralising losses, including three consecutive goalless games against Bangladesh, Thailand, and Hong Kong, leaving fans questioning the teamโ€™s ability. Indiaโ€™s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Asia Cup are now precarious, and speculation surrounds Marquezโ€™s future.

Marquez has not formally tendered his resignation

Rumours of Marquezโ€™s potential resignation had already started doing the rounds as sources suggest that the Spaniard, who replaced Stimac in July 2024, is contemplating stepping down within a year of his appointment.

However, an All India Football Federation (AIFF) source confirmed Marquez has not formally tendered his resignation. The federation awaits official communication from him regarding his intentions but that too many not be simple.

โ€œHe can do so only after mutual agreement, that the AIFF gives him permission to part ways," an AIFF source said.

โ€œWe have not got any request in writing from Manolo that he wants to leave from the job. We can apply our mind only after he informs us what he wants," the source added.

India must win their remaining four matches

India must win their remaining four matches to maintain any hope of qualification, currently languishing at the bottom of their group. While home and away fixtures against Singapore are scheduled for the October international break, Marquezโ€™s presence for those games remains uncertain.

Next Article

Manolo Mรกrquez announces 28-member Indian football team travelling squad for Thailand friendly

Manolo Mรกrquez announces 28-member Indian football team travelling squad for Thailand friendly. Get the full list and updates of this key preparatory match for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

May 28, 2025, 8:47 AMโ€ข2 min read

Manolo Mรกrquez announces 28-member Indian football team travelling squad for Thailand friendly

Head coach Manolo Mรกrquez announces 28-member Blue Tigers travelling squad for Thailand friendly on May 28, 2025. All the 28 players, who are currently a part of the ongoing camp in Kolkata, will travel to Thailand for the FIFA friendly for the June 4 fixture.

With a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round on the horizon, the Indian Men's National Football Team is gearing up for a significant test. The squad will leave for Thailand on Wednesday evening for their friendly on June 4, at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani at 18:00 IST.

Subsequently, the team will depart for Hong Kong on the next day (June 5) for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round fixture.

Kolkata: The Blue Tigers' pre-Thailand training hub

Manolo Mรกrquez announces 28-member Blue Tigers travelling squad for Thailand friendly | sportzpoint.com
Sunil Chhetri along with the other squad members in Day 2 of training camp in Kolkata. Image | Facebook

The Blue Tigers' intensive training camp kicked off in Kolkata on May 19. The men in Blue underwent six full days of structured training and gym sessions. These were focused on refining patterns, defensive organisation, attacking transitions, and all other crucial elements for the gameplay.

A highlight of the camp was the inclusion of two practice matches:

  • On May 26, the Blue Tigers faced Santosh Trophy Champions Bengal, securing a 2-1 victory. (goal scorers: Brandon Fernandes and Ashique Kuruniyan)
  • On May 27, they faced North 24 Parganas, securing a 3-0 victory. (goal scorers: Sunil Chhetri, Chinglensana Singh Konsham and Udanta Singh Kumam)

Blue Tigersโ€™ 28-member squad for the FIFA Friendly against Thailand

Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh, Amrinder Singh.

Defenders: Naorem Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Anwar Ali, Boris Singh Thangjam, Sandesh Jhingan, Asish Rai, Subhasish Bose, Mehtab Singh, Abhishek Singh Tekcham.

Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan, Brandon Fernandes, Nikhil Prabhu.

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Lallianzuala Chhangte.

Head Coach: Manolo Mรกrquez

Assistant Coach: Mahesh Gawali

Assistant Coach: Benito Montalvo

Goalkeeper Coach: Marc Gamon

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Josรฉ Carlos Barroso

Next Article

Indian Football: Rahul KP creates history, signs for West Ham United

Rahul KP, the Indian winger, will play for English Premier League club West Ham United in The Soccer Tournament (TST), an elite 7 v 7 football competition featuring 48 teams from across the globe.

May 24, 2025, 6:20 AMโ€ข2 min read

Indian Football: Rahul KP creates history, signs for West Ham United | sportzpoint.com

In a groundbreaking moment for Indian football, Rahul KP, the dynamic winger of Odisha FC, has been extended a prestigious invitation to represent English Premier League powerhouse West Ham United in the highly anticipated summer edition of The Soccer Tournament (TST), an elite 7 v 7 football competition featuring 48 teams from across the globe.

This is the first time in Indian football history that an Indian player will represent a top-division English Premier League club menโ€™s team. This is a monumental achievement not only for Rahul's burgeoning career and Odisha FC but also for the continued growth and recognition of the state of Odisha and Indian football on the international stage.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 4 to June 9, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. The tournament boasts a diverse international roster, with participating teams and players hailing from countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and India. The star-studded event will notably feature teams led by legendary footballers such as Luis Nani, Sergio Agรผero, and Hope Solo.

Rahul KP will join a distinguished West Ham United squad that includes notable personalities like actor Hero Fiennes Tiffin, former Argentina international Mauro Zรกrate, and several professional athletes who have represented the United States in the World Indoor Football Cup.

The three group stage games featuring West Ham United will be broadcast live on YouTube channels. Additionally, these matches will be televised live on ESPN.

Next Article

AIFF Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Shine as Top Players

Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth won the Best Men's and Women's Player of the Year Awards, respectively, in the recently concluded AIFF Awards 2025. Here are all the winners this season.

May 2, 2025, 5:13 PMโ€ข3 min read

AIFF Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Shine as Top Players | sportzpoint.com

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) celebrated the best of Indian football at the AIFF Awards 2025, held today in Bhubaneswar, honouring outstanding players, coaches, referees, and member associations for their contributions during the 2024-25 season.

AIFF Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Shine as Top Players | sportzpoint.com
Subhasish Bose recieving the Best Men's Footballer of the Year Award. Image | AIFF
AIFF Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Shine as Top Players | sportzpoint.com
Soumya Guguloth won the Women's Footballer of the Year Award. Image | AIFF

The ceremony highlighted the growing competitiveness of Indian football, with Mohun Bagan SGโ€™s Subhasish Bose and East Bengal FCโ€™s Soumya Guguloth crowned Menโ€™s and Womenโ€™s Player of the Year, respectively. 

AIFF Awards 2025 Winners

Individual Awards

  • Men's Player of the Year: Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan SG, Defender)
    • Recognised for his leadership as captain and stellar performances for Mohun Bagan SG as the mariners became the first team to defend the ISL Shield, along with reclaiming the ISL Cup. Bose kept 13 clean sheets as a defender and scored 6 goals as well. 
  • Women's Player of the Year: Soumya Guguloth (East Bengal FC, Forward)
    • Honoured as the top Indian scorer in the Indian Womenโ€™s League (IWL) and a key player for the Blue Tigresses. She helped East Bengal FC win the IWL 2024-25 title.
  • Men's Goalkeeper of the Year: Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan SG)
    • Awarded for holding the record for the most clean sheets in Indian Super League (ISL) history. Kaith had a record 15 clean sheets in ISL 2024-25 and conceded only 19 goals across 26 appearances
  • Most Promising Men's Player of the Year: Brison Fernandes (Midfielder)
    • Noted for his midfield mastery and potential as a rising star.
  • Most Promising Women's Player of the Year: Neha (Haryana, Winger)
    • Recognised for her performances, including 2 goals in the SAFF U19 Womenโ€™s Championship and 3 goals in the Senior Womenโ€™s National Championship.
  • Men's Coach of the Year: Khalid Jamil (Jamshedpur FC)
    • Won for the second consecutive year for leading Jamshedpur FC to the Kalinga Super Cup semifinals.
  • Women's Coach of the Year: Sujata Kar (Sreebhumi FC)
    • Awarded for guiding newly-promoted Sreebhumi FC to a third-place finish in the IWL.
  • Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
    • Acknowledged for consistent officiating on the pitch.
  • Female Referee of the Year: Tekcham Ranjita Devi
    • Recognised for her officiating excellence.
  • Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
  • Male Assistant Referee of the Year: Vairamuthu P

Member Association (MA) Awards

  • Most Successful MA (Club Competitions): Indian Football Association (West Bengal)
    • For dominance in menโ€™s competitions, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal winning major titles.
  • Most Successful MA (NFC Competitions): All Manipur Football Association
    • Recognised for success in the National Football Championships.
  • Best MA for Supporting Womenโ€™s Football: Punjab Football Association
    • Honoured for contributions to womenโ€™s football development.
  • Best MA for Hosting Most AIFF Competitions: Football Association of Odisha and Goa Football Association
    • For hosting numerous AIFF events.
  • MA with Most Player Registrations (Menโ€™s): Kerala Football Association
    • For the highest number of male player registrations.
  • MA with Most Player Registrations (Womenโ€™s): Western India Football Association (Maharashtra)
    • For leading in female player registrations.
  • Special Award for MA Launching New Projects: Gujarat State Football Association
    • For innovative football initiatives.
  • MA with Most Grassroots Activities: Gujarat State Football Association
    • For extensive grassroots programs.
  • MA with Most Youth Tournaments Conducted: Karnataka State Football Association
    • For organising numerous youth tournaments.
  • MA with Most Coaching Courses: Punjab Football Association
    • For conducting the most coaching courses.
  • MA with Most Refereeing Courses: Gujarat State Football Association
    • For leading in referee training programs.
Next Article

Mohun Bagan SG Edges Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals

Goals from Sahal Abdul Samad in the 22nd minute and Suhail Ahmad Bhat in the 51st minute of the match helped Mohun Bagan SG beat Kerala Blasters FC by 2-1 to qualify for the semis of Kalinga Super Cup 2025.

Apr 26, 2025, 3:33 PMโ€ข3 min read

Mohun Bagan SG Edges Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals - Suhail Bhatt with the goal for MBSG | sportzpoint.com

On a vibrant Saturday evening, April 26, 2025, Mohun Bagan SGโ€™s youthful squad clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 quarter-finals, securing their spot in the semi-finals.

The Mariners, boasting an all-Indian lineup save for Portuguese defender Nuno Reis, showcased their attacking flair with goals from Sahal Abdul Samad in the 22nd minute and Suhail Ahmad Bhat in the 51st. Despite a late strike from Kerala Blastersโ€™ Sreekuttan MS in the 94th minute, Mohun Bagan SG held firm, thanks to a stellar performance by goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem. Bastab Royโ€™s team now awaits the winner of the FC Goa vs. Punjab FC clash in the semi-final on April 30.

The match kicked off cautiously, with both sides probing without overcommitting. For the first 20 minutes, neither team managed to create clear chances. Then, Mohun Bagan SG sparked the game to life with a moment of brilliance.

Salahudheen Adnan dazzled down the right, weaving past Naocha Singh before delivering a pinpoint cross into the box. Sahal Abdul Samad, with a deft shoulder drop, shook off Ruivah Hormipam and delicately lifted the ball over goalkeeper Sachin Suresh to break the deadlock.

Mohun Bagan SG Edges Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals | sportzpoint.com

The goal jolted Kerala Blasters into action, and they pushed hard for an equaliser. Noah Sadaoui, fresh off a spectacular long-range goal against East Bengal, tried his luck from distance but sent the ball straight to Dheeraj Singh.

Read Also | India expresses formal interest to host the AFC Asian Cup 2031

The Blasters grew threatening from set pieces, particularly short corners. In the 30th minute, Sadaouiโ€™s low cross after a quick one-two with Vibin Mohanan was cleared by Dippendu Biswas. Moments later, Hormipamโ€™s looping cross nearly sneaked into the top corner, only for Dheeraj to tip it over.

Just before halftime, Mohammed Aimen cut in from the left and unleashed a curling shot that sailed narrowly over the bar, leaving the Blasters frustrated.

The second half began with Mohun Bagan SG striking early. In the 47th minute, Sachin Suresh pulled off a stunning save to deny Salahudheen in a one-on-one, but the warning went unheeded. Four minutes later, Ashique Kuruniyan tore down the left, breezed past Hormipam, and rolled a precise pass to Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who calmly slotted it home to double the lead.

Mohun Bagan SG Edges Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals - Suhail Bhatt with the goal for MBSG | sportzpoint.com

From there, the game became the Dheeraj Singh show. Kerala Blasters threw everything forward, but the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper stood tall. Jesรบs Jimรฉnez squandered two golden opportunities, blasting over the bar in the 65th minute and dragging a shot wide two minutes later. In the 70th minute, Dheeraj denied substitute Kwame Peprahโ€™s angled effort, and with five minutes left, Peprahโ€™s low cross found Jimรฉnez, who couldnโ€™t connect cleanly.

Read Also | Will Indian-Origin players ever get to play for India? AIFF keeps showing its aimless approach

Dheerajโ€™s heroics continued as he thwarted Peprah from point-blank range, with Amandeep clearing Ebindas Yโ€™s follow-up off the line. The Blasters finally broke through in stoppage time when Jimรฉnez set up Sreekuttan, who rifled a shot past Dheeraj. But the goal came too late to spark a comeback.

Salahudheen Adnan earned the Kalinga Player of the Match award for his electrifying performance.

Next Article

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