Kolkata, April 12: Mohun Bagan Super Giant returned to the winning track in the ongoing Indian Super League, defeating Punjab FC 3–2 in an edge-to-edge clash at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday evening. In an absolutely thrilling match, the Mariners snatched all three points from the Shers.

Within the first three minutes of the match, Mohun Bagan Super Giant got a scoring chance. Maclaren, with the ball, entered the box and, in a one-on-one situation, was about to take a shot when Bijoy Varghese made a clearance to keep the net untouched. However, in the 10th minute, Punjab FC took the lead. From Osuji’s assist, Ramirez placed the ball into the net from the six-yard box.

Ramirez and Punjab FC players celebrating goal

In the 27th minute, Mohun Bagan Super Giant made a goal-bound move. Liston Colaco attempted a long shot towards the net, which Arshdeep Singh saved. The rebound fell to Macca, but he was offside, so the attacking threat was wasted. However, Maclaren made it count within two minutes. In the 29th minute, receiving the ball from Robson, Maclaren cut past Bijoy in the left side of the box and sent the ball into the net to equalise the score 1–1 for the Mariners. In added time of the first half, Dimitri Petratos found the net, but the goal was disallowed as he was offside.

The defence of both teams was firm against every attack, making it a tightly contested and high-intensity encounter. However, after the start of the second half, Punjab FC regained the lead quickly. With a well-worked team move, Effiong made it 2–1.

From the left flank, they launched the attack, Ramirez received the ball and passed it to Osuji inside the box, who then laid the ball to Effiong. He placed the ball into the net, leaving Vishal watching as the match continued to swing from end to end.

The game became more intense when Sahal Abdul Samad entered the field at 70th minute, replacing Deepak, and made an immediate impact. Within four minutes with a goal-bound move, the ball came back to him from around 23 yards on the left, from where he fired a long-range stunner into the net to bring Mohun Bagan Super Giant back into the game.

Sahal Abdul Samad celebrating his goal with Petratos

Before Mohun Bagan Super Giant snatched out the final goal, Punjab FC got a golden opportunity. In the 86th minute, capitalising on a quick attack, Effiong passed the ball from the right side of the box to the middle for the unmarked Augustine, but he misplaced the grounded shot, which went narrowly wide.

And that chance not only proved costly but also handed an opportunity to the Mariners to come back. In added time 90+2nd minute Amey Ranawade earned a free-kick on the right flank just outside the box. Jason Cummings stepped up and sent the ball directly into the net.

Json Cummins after scoring from free kick

The goal, however, sparked controversy, as there was a crowded situation inside the box where Tom Aldred appeared to make contact with Arshdeep Singh’s face. Despite the situation, the goal stood, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant sealed the deal with it.

With that win, Mohun Bagan Super Giant moved to second place with 17 points, but the night was about much more than just the result. Though the match ended in favour of the Green and Maroon, it marked Jason Cummings’ return to scoring after seven matches, adding another key moment to an already dramatic contest.

Yet, the most touching moment came with the first equaliser. It wasn’t just about bringing the team back into the game, it carried deep emotion. When Maclaren found the net, the celebration turned into a tribute to his grandmother, Anny, who had passed away just a day before. In that moment, football felt secondary, as he later shared that she had always been there for him and was watching from above.

However, despite the win, concerns remain. Alberto was forced off in the first half with an ankle injury, and his condition will become clearer soon. Adding to that, head coach Sergio Lobera confirmed ahead of the Northeast clash that Apuia will once again be unavailable, leaving Mohun Bagan with growing worries even in victory.