Kolkata, May 12: Inter Kashi displayed a disciplined defensive performance to hold Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a goalless draw in a tense ISL clash on Tuesday evening in the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Despite long spells of pressure from the Mariners, Kashi stayed compact at the back throughout the evening.
With the first whistle Mohun Bagan SG started controlling the game. In the 8th minute, Sahal Abdul Samad tried a shot from outside the box after a clearance fell to him, but his shot went over the bar. Inter kashi nearly stunned the Mariners in the 9th minute when Planas and Petkevicius combined brilliantly inside the box before placing the ball for Asif in front of goal. However, he attempted the shot wide despite having an open net in front of him.
The Mariners continued attacking as Sahal won a dangerous free-kick in the 23rd minute after being brought down by Narendra Gahlot near the edge of the box, Robson stepped up for the set-piece but his strike went straight into the Inter Kashi wall.
Three minutes later, Inter Kashi showed another attacking moment when Mandi drove forward from the flank before sending a pass into the middle, though none of his teammates could connect with it.
The second half followed a similar pattern as Mohun Bagan kept pushing for a breakthrough. In the 81st minute, Sahal once again got into a dangerous position inside the box, but Inter Kashi’s defense blocked his effort at the crucial moment.
Inter Kashi almost conceded in the 85th minute when Petratos played a brilliant through ball for Maclaren. The Australian forward struck attempt a shot, but keeper Shubham produced a massive save to keep the scores level.
Mohun Bagan threw everything forward in the final stages. In the 89th minute, Sahal dribbled past a couple of defenders before taking a shot from outside the box, but it was blocked once again by the determined Inter Kashi defence.
Seven minutes of added time were given, Mohun Bagan SG goes for the final moment with every move but Inter Kashi stayed compact till the end and successfully frustrated the Mariners.
Despite the problems which Inter Kashi are facing on and off the field, their interim head coach Abhijit Mondal’s words reflected how the players gave everything on the pitch and successfully earned an important point to remain safe in the league.
On the other side, it was truly frustrating for the Mariners as they desperately needed all three points. However, this draw means the upcoming derby is set to become a title decider. After 11 matches, both teams are level on 21 points, with East Bengal sitting at the top on goal difference and Mohun Bagan Super Giant right behind them. The combined pressure of the derby and the title race now promises one of the biggest thrillers of this Indian Super League season.
ISL 2025-26 – Mohun Bagan SG vs Inter Kashi
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