Mumbai City FC kicked off their Indian Super League 2025–26 campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Chennaiyin FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday, securing all three points in what proved to be a tightly contested season opener.
The decisive moment came early in the second half when an unfortunate own goal from Chennaiyin FC defender Pritam Kotal handed the Islanders the lead in the 48th minute a slender advantage that ultimately separated the two sides in an otherwise evenly matched encounter.
Cagey First Half Offers Few Clear Openings
The opening 45 minutes saw both teams struggle to establish rhythm in midfield, with possession frequently exchanged but attacking penetration limited. The defensive units on either side remained compact, forcing attackers into speculative efforts and denying space in central areas.
Mumbai City carved out the better opportunities during the first half, with Jorge Pereyra Díaz forcing a sharp save from Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz after being played through by Jorge Ortiz. Shortly after, Brandon Fernandes who appeared lively throughout the evening delivered a precise ball towards Lallianzuala Chhangte at the far post. The forward’s deft lay-off found Ortiz in space, but the Spaniard’s effort was comfortably dealt with by Nawaz.
Chennaiyin FC, meanwhile, looked to adopt a more direct approach in attack, relying on long balls aimed towards Irfan Yadwad and new signing Iñigo Martín. However, Mumbai’s backline remained disciplined, neutralising aerial threats with relative ease.
The visitors earned five corner kicks in the first half but failed to convert them into meaningful chances, as the Islanders’ defence marshalled effectively by Valpuia cleared repeated deliveries into the penalty area.
Islanders Strike Early After the Restart
Mumbai City emerged from the break with greater attacking intent, pressing Chennaiyin higher up the pitch. Their early urgency paid dividends just four minutes into the second half.
Photo: Ankur Salvi /Focus Sports / ISL
Midfielder Joni Kauko attempted to whip in a cross towards Pereyra Díaz inside the box, but the ball deflected off Pritam Kotal and looped past a wrong-footed Nawaz into the net. The own goal gave Mumbai the breakthrough they had been searching for and shifted the momentum firmly in their favour.
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Trailing by a goal, Chennaiyin FC enjoyed more possession in the remainder of the contest but struggled to vary their attacking patterns. Much of their offensive play continued to originate from wide areas, with crosses repeatedly sent into the box in search of an equaliser.
Mumbai City’s defensive structure held firm under pressure. The hosts maintained their shape effectively, ensuring that Chennaiyin’s forwards were unable to find clear shooting lanes. The Marina Machans earned as many as 15 corner kicks over the course of the match, including a flurry of four in quick succession during the closing stages. Despite sustained pressure, they failed to test Phurba Lachenpa meaningfully in goal.
Their closest opportunity arrived late in stoppage time when Mandar Rao Dessai attempted to connect with a recycled corner delivery, but the effort lacked the necessary contact to trouble the Mumbai defence.
Akash Mishra Named Player of the Match
Mumbai City defender Akash Mishra delivered a composed performance at the back and was adjudged the Player of the Match for his role in ensuring the Islanders preserved their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
The result provides Mumbai City with an early boost as they look to build momentum in the opening phase of the season, while Chennaiyin FC will be left to reflect on missed opportunities in front of goal despite applying late pressure.
With the ISL 2025–26 season now underway, both sides will turn their attention to upcoming fixtures as they aim to establish consistency in the early rounds of the campaign.
