Kolkata, March 15: Mumbai City FC edged past Inter Kashi 2–1 in an intense Indian Super League 2025–26 clash at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Sunday evening. The match featured dramatic momentum swings, two red cards, and relentless late pressure from the hosts before the Islanders held on for all three points.
The victory marked Mumbai City FC’s third win of the campaign, lifting them to third place in the standings with 11 points from five matches. Inter Kashi, meanwhile, remained eighth with five points. Mumbai captain Lallianzuala Chhangte was named Player of the Match for his decisive contribution.
Mumbai City began the game brightly, dominating possession and creating the early openings. In the fourth minute, Ayush Chhikara produced the first serious attempt from close range, but Inter Kashi goalkeeper Lluis Tarrés reacted well to deny him. Chhikara threatened again later in the half after being set up by Chhangte, but his right-footed effort drifted narrowly wide.
The Islanders continued to press forward, with Jorge Ortiz trying his luck from distance in the 20th minute, though his shot sailed over the bar. Inter Kashi found it difficult to break through Mumbai’s defensive structure during the early stages, but Sumeet Passi attempted a long-range effort in the 22nd minute that was blocked by the visitors’ defence.
Tensions also flared on the touchline during the first half. Inter Kashi head coach Antonio Habas was shown a red card following a heated exchange on the sidelines, adding further drama to an already intense encounter.
Despite Mumbai’s control of possession, Inter Kashi remained compact defensively and looked threatening on the counterattack. Their best opportunity before the break came in the 42nd minute when Sergio Llamas struck from the right side of the penalty area, forcing a save from Mumbai goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa.
The deadlock was finally broken deep into first-half stoppage time. From a corner delivered by Chhangte, midfielder Noufal PN found space inside the box and finished from close range to give Mumbai City FC a 1–0 lead heading into the interval.
Inter Kashi returned after the break with greater attacking intent and managed to equalise shortly after the restart. In the 51st minute, Sandip Mandi delivered an accurate cross from the left flank which Rohit Danu met with a close-range header to level the score.
However, the hosts’ celebrations were short-lived. Just a minute later, Ortiz threaded a clever pass into the penalty area, finding Chhangte, who calmly slotted the ball into the net with his left foot to restore Mumbai City FC’s lead in the 52nd minute.
The match became increasingly open as Inter Kashi pushed forward in search of another equaliser. Edgaras Petkevičius tested Lachenpa with a close-range effort, while Danu attempted a powerful strike from distance that forced another save from the Mumbai goalkeeper. At the other end, Noufal also threatened again but saw his attempt denied by Tarrés.
Inter Kashi continued to create chances as the second half progressed. Petkevičius fired wide from distance in the 58th minute, and Llamas later came close with a header from a Danu cross that narrowly missed the target.
Late drama unfolded deep into stoppage time when Mumbai City FC defender Hmingthanmawia Ralte was shown a red card following an altercation inside the penalty area involving Petkevičius while Inter Kashi were preparing to take a free kick. Reduced to ten men, the Islanders were forced to defend desperately during the extended added time.
Inter Kashi launched wave after wave of attacks in the closing minutes, even striking the crossbar twice during the frantic stoppage period. Midfielder Wayne Vaz also forced a crucial save from Lachenpa, but Mumbai’s defence stood firm to preserve their narrow advantage.
Despite a determined late push from the hosts, Mumbai City FC held on to secure a hard-fought 2–1 victory and strengthen their position in the early title race.
ISL 2025-26 – Inter Kashi vs Mumbai City FC highlights
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