SC Delhi produced a remarkable comeback to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mumbai City FC in their MG Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 encounter at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday. Trailing by two goals at half-time, the visitors struck three times in the closing stages, with Juan Pena scoring a sensational stoppage-time winner.
Mumbai City appeared to be in complete control after Muhammad Ajsal (6′) and Zothanpuia (27′) gave the hosts a comfortable 2-0 lead in the first half. However, SC Delhi refused to give up and turned the contest around through Carlos Fortes (73′), Akshat Mehra (90+2′) and Juan Pena (90+4′).
Mumbai City Take Control in the First Half
The hosts started brightly and nearly opened the scoring within the first few minutes. Akash Mishra’s through ball found Ajsal, whose initial attempt was saved before Zothanpuia’s effort from the rebound was blocked.
Mumbai City eventually broke the deadlock in the sixth minute. Ajsal combined neatly with Noufal before capitalising on a defensive mistake by Lamgoulen Hangshing to find the back of the net. The goal also marked Mumbai City’s first open-play strike of the season.
SC Delhi attempted to respond, with Duvan Viafara firing narrowly over the crossbar from distance in the 12th minute. Mumbai City continued to threaten, and Hridaya Jain missed a promising opportunity in the 23rd minute after connecting with Ajsal’s pass.
The home side extended their advantage four minutes later. Noufal drove forward down the left flank and delivered a cross into the penalty area, where Zothanpuia finished confidently with his right foot to make it 2-0.
SC Delhi came close to reducing the deficit before the interval. Sourav created space on the right and supplied Mohammad Azhar, whose curling effort struck the crossbar. Despite that opportunity, Mumbai City went into the break with a two-goal cushion.
Fortes Gives SC Delhi Hope
SC Delhi made two changes at half-time, introducing Richard Ndayishimaye and Ashutosh Mehta in an attempt to bring fresh energy into the contest.
The visitors increased their attacking pressure after the restart, although Mumbai City’s defensive organisation initially prevented them from finding a breakthrough. Hridaya Jain had another opportunity in the 58th minute, but Clarence Fernandes produced an important sliding challenge to stop the attack.
TP Rehenesh was also called into action in the 60th minute, getting his fingertips to Juan Pena’s long-range attempt.
SC Delhi’s persistence finally paid off in the 73rd minute. Following a corner, Rehenesh failed to deal with the delivery, allowing Ashutosh Mehta to set up Carlos Fortes, who finished from close range to bring the visitors back into the match at 2-1.
The goal completely changed the momentum, giving SC Delhi renewed belief as the closing stages approached.
Mehra and Pena Complete an Incredible Turnaround
With time running out, SC Delhi continued pushing for an equaliser. Their late attacking changes proved decisive, particularly the introduction of Akshat Mehra in the 88th minute.
In the 92nd minute, Mehra received a pass from Ndayishimaye and unleashed a curling effort towards goal. Rehenesh managed to get a hand to the shot but could only turn it into his own net, allowing SC Delhi to level the score at 2-2.
Mumbai City barely had time to recover before the visitors delivered the decisive blow.
In the 94th minute, Juan Pena embarked on an outstanding individual run, beating two Mumbai City defenders before calmly finishing to complete the comeback. His brilliant solo effort secured all three points for SC Delhi and left the home side stunned.
SC Delhi Claim a Memorable Victory
What initially looked like a comfortable Mumbai City victory turned into a devastating late defeat for the hosts. SC Delhi demonstrated tremendous determination and attacking intent to overturn a two-goal deficit with three goals in the final stages.
Carlos Fortes sparked the comeback, Akshat Mehra brought the sides level, and Juan Pena delivered the decisive moment with a spectacular stoppage-time winner.
The 3-2 result will be remembered as one of the most dramatic comebacks of the MG ISL 2026-27 campaign.
ISL 2026-27 – Mumbai City vs SC Delhi highlights
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