In one of the biggest upsets of the AIFF Super Cup 2025 so far, Rajasthan United FC pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory over Indian Super League giants Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa.
Robinson Blandon’s superb first-half strike proved decisive as the I-League outfit held their nerve against a star-studded Mumbai side to blow Group D wide open. The result came just hours after Kerala Blasters’ commanding 3-0 win over Sporting Club Delhi, a result that had put Mumbai under immense pressure to win and keep their semifinal hopes alive. Instead, Rajasthan’s disciplined performance and tactical maturity left Petr Kratky’s Islanders reeling, as they now face a daunting challenge to qualify.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that Rajasthan United were not intimidated by their more fancied opponents. Fielding a young and energetic lineup, head coach Pushpender Kundu’s men adopted a compact 4-3-3 formation designed to stifle Mumbai’s fluid attacking movement.
The opening exchanges were evenly balanced. Mumbai tried to impose their usual passing rhythm through Brandon Fernandes and Lallianzuala Chhangte, but Rajasthan’s defensive structure held firm. Captain Bhabindra Malla Thakuri, commanding the backline from goal, kept his defenders alert and compact.
As the minutes passed, Rajasthan began to find their rhythm. Ebenezer Amoh and Abdul Halik Hudu dominated the midfield duels, breaking up play and launching swift counters. Their first real chance came in the 24th minute when Hudu’s rebound shot from a corner forced TP Rehenesh into action. Moments later, Blandon himself had a sight of goal, only to see his shot blocked at close range.
The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute, and it was worth the wait. A long spell of possession saw Rajasthan probe patiently before Naoba Meitei found Robinson Blandon in space near the edge of the box. The Colombian forward took one touch to set himself and unleashed a powerful left-footed drive that caught Rehenesh off guard and nestled into the far corner.
It was a stunning finish not only for its precision but also for its timing. Coming just before half-time, it gave Rajasthan the perfect psychological edge and sent the Fatorda crowd into disbelief. Mumbai’s defenders, Jose Luis Espinosa and Akash Mishra, could only look at each other in frustration, having been outmaneuvered by Rajasthan’s pressing.
At the interval, Rajasthan led 1-0 a scoreline that reflected their superior work rate and tactical discipline.
Mumbai Fail to Find the Cutting Edge
The second half saw a desperate Mumbai City push forward in search of an equalizer. Coach Petr Kratky brought on additional attacking reinforcements, urging his players to play quicker and exploit the flanks. But Rajasthan’s defense stood tall, blocking every cross and forcing the Islanders to take speculative shots from distance.
In the 68th minute, Mumbai came close when Akash Mishra’s perfectly delivered cross found Brandon Fernandes inside the box, but the midfielder failed to keep his header on target. It was a golden chance squandered and one that seemed to deflate Mumbai’s momentum.
Just four minutes later, captain Chhangte missed another opportunity. The winger latched onto a looping ball into the box but failed to direct his header or square it to Fernandes, who was unmarked. That summed up Mumbai’s night plenty of possession, few meaningful chances, and little composure in the final third.
As frustration grew, so did the errors. Rajasthan’s defenders Lalfelkima, Khongsit, and Pedro Astray threw themselves into every tackle. The team’s unity was evident; every blocked shot and interception was greeted with roars of encouragement from their bench.
What stood out most about Rajasthan’s performance was their composure without the ball. Even as Mumbai dominated possession in the final stages, Rajasthan’s midfield trio refused to be dragged out of position. Ebenezer Amoh, in particular, was tireless breaking up play and launching quick transitions that forced Mumbai to retreat repeatedly.
Bhabindra Malla Thakuri, wearing the captain’s armband, marshaled his defense with authority. In stoppage time, he produced a crucial save from a late Brandon Fernandes free-kick, ensuring that Rajasthan’s lead remained intact.
By the final whistle, Rajasthan had recorded just two shots on target but made both count. Mumbai, for all their possession and territory, ended with only one shot on target a statistic that underlined how effectively Rajasthan had nullified their attack.
When the referee blew for full time, scenes of jubilation erupted among the Rajasthan players and staff. For an I-League side to outplay one of the ISL’s most formidable teams was a statement of intent and a reminder of the growing competitiveness of Indian football beyond the top tier. Robinson Blandon was rightly named the player of the match for his match-winning goal and relentless work rate. The Colombian forward not only provided the attacking spark but also tracked back tirelessly, embodying the team’s spirit.
Group D: All Eyes on the Final Matchday
With this result, Kerala Blasters lead Group D with six points, while Rajasthan United now sit second with three. Mumbai City, also on three points, trail on goal difference, setting up a dramatic final day. A draw or win in Rajasthan’s next fixture could send them through to the semi-finals, depending on Kerala’s result.
For Mumbai City, this defeat was a harsh reality check. Despite boasting some of the league’s best attacking talent, they were undone by tactical naivety and missed chances. Coach Petr Kratky will demand an immediate response, but their fate now lies partly in other results.
Rajasthan United’s victory will go down as one of the highlights of this year’s AIFF Super Cup. It was not just a win; it was a statement proof that organization, discipline, and self-belief can topple even the most established teams. In Fatorda, under the Goan floodlights and a light drizzle, the underdogs roared the loudest. Rajasthan United’s 1-0 triumph over Mumbai City FC wasn’t just an upset it was a story of resilience, teamwork, and tactical brilliance.
Full-Time: Rajasthan United FC 1–0 Mumbai City FC
Goal: Robinson Blandon (42’)
