ISL 2025-26: Mohun Bagan held by Inter Kashi in stalemate

Mohun Bagan Super Giant were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Inter Kashi in their Indian Super League 2025-26 encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday. 

Despite controlling possession for large periods and creating multiple openings, the Mariners were unable to find a breakthrough against a well-organised Inter Kashi side.

The result leaves Mohun Bagan on 22 points from 11 matches, level with leaders East Bengal but behind on goal difference. Inter Kashi, meanwhile, remain 10th in the standings with 12 points, taking away a valuable result from a difficult away fixture.

Mohun Bagan began with intent, looking to assert control early through midfield. Sahal Abdul Samad was at the centre of their attacking moves, testing the Inter Kashi defence twice in quick succession. However, both efforts failed to hit the target, reflecting a recurring issue in the home side’s finishing. Inter Kashi, despite being under pressure, showed early signs of attacking threat. In the ninth minute, a well-worked move involving Alfred Planas, Nauris Petkevičius and Sergio Llamas created an opening for Mohammed Asif, but his effort drifted wide. The chance served as a reminder that the visitors were willing to counter when opportunities arose.

As the first half progressed, Mohun Bagan dominated possession, often building through Sahal and Robinho in midfield. However, Inter Kashi maintained a compact defensive structure, limiting space in the final third.

Dimitrios Petratos and Jason Cummings attempted to link play in advanced areas, but lacked the final touch needed to break through. Set-pieces became Mohun Bagan’s primary route to goal, but even those were handled efficiently by the Inter Kashi defence, led by Narender Gahlot and David Humanes.

Inter Kashi continued to offer occasional attacking threats. Planas had a late effort in the first half, but it sailed over, as both teams went into the break without scoring.

Second Half: Increased Intensity, Same Outcome

Recognising the need for greater attacking presence, Mohun Bagan head coach Sergio Lobera introduced Liston Colaco and Jamie Maclaren at the start of the second half. The changes brought more urgency to the home side’s play.

Petratos tested goalkeeper Shubham Dhas early in the half, while Colaco and Tom Aldred attempted long-range efforts. However, none of these attempts significantly troubled the Inter Kashi defence.

The Mariners continued to press forward, but the visitors remained disciplined. Rohit Danu, Sandip Mandi and Narender Gahlot maintained defensive shape, ensuring that Mohun Bagan struggled to create clear chances inside the box. One of Mohun Bagan’s best opportunities came in the 66th minute. Manvir Singh cut the ball back inside the box for Sahal, but a crucial defensive block denied the midfielder a clear shot on goal.

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As the match entered its final phase, Inter Kashi grew more confident. They managed possession effectively in short phases, slowing down the tempo and breaking Mohun Bagan’s rhythm.

Jayesh Rane had a sight of goal on a counterattack, but his effort went over the bar. While not frequent, these moments ensured that Mohun Bagan could not commit fully to attack.

Mohun Bagan pushed aggressively in the closing stages, with Jamie Maclaren coming closest to breaking the deadlock in the 85th minute. His effort was denied by an excellent save from Shubham Dhas, who stretched to deflect the ball away. Moments later, Tom Aldred headed wide from a corner, adding to the growing frustration among the home supporters.

Inter Kashi nearly snatched a late winner in stoppage time when Rohit Danu broke forward, but goalkeeper Vishal Kaith reacted quickly to prevent the chance. Despite late free-kick opportunities for Colaco, Mohun Bagan were unable to find the decisive goal.

Inter Kashi’s performance was built on organisation and discipline. Their defensive line remained compact throughout, denying Mohun Bagan space in central areas and forcing them into low-quality chances. Shubham Dhas played a key role in goal, making crucial interventions when required. The defensive unit, supported by midfield tracking, ensured that Mohun Bagan’s possession did not translate into clear goal-scoring opportunities.

For Mohun Bagan, the draw represents dropped points in a tightly contested title race. While they remain level on points with East Bengal, their inability to convert chances could prove costly in the final standings. For Inter Kashi, the result is significant. Taking a point away from one of the league’s top sides reflects their ability to execute a defensive game plan effectively.

Mohun Bagan controlled the match in terms of possession and territory, but Inter Kashi controlled the outcome. The goalless draw highlighted the importance of defensive organisation in the ISL, where structure and discipline can neutralise even the most dominant attacking sides.

As the season enters its final stages, Mohun Bagan will need to improve their efficiency in front of goal, while Inter Kashi will look to build on this performance as they aim to climb the table.