Mumbai, February 19 – An own goal by Pritam Kotal proved decisive as Mumbai City FC began their 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season on a winning note, defeating Chennaiyin FC 1-0 in Match 7, which was played at the Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday.
The closely contested match between two former league winners was decided by an own goal in the 48th minute by Pritam Kotal, as the Islanders secured all three points.
Neither team was able to create much attacking momentum as they cancelled each other out in midfield. Opportunities were scarce in the first half, as the attackers found it difficult to break the opposition's defense. Jorge Pereyra Díaz forced a fine save from Mohammad Nawaz after being played through by Jorge Ortiz.
Moments later, Brandon Fernandes, who had been in excellent form for the Islanders, found Lallianzuala Chhangte at the far post. The forward passed the ball to Ortiz with a great touch, but the Spaniard's effort only found the goalkeeper.
Chennaiyin relied on long balls with Irfan Yadwad and new signing Iñigo Martín as their targets, but they were well marked by the Mumbai City defense. The away team earned five corner kicks in the first half, but were unable to trouble Phurba Lachenpa in the Mumbai goal. The Chennaiyin wingers were sending in crosses throughout the match, but the opposition defense was alert to the danger, with Valpuia making two crucial clearances at the back post.
The Islanders started the second half with more intent, earning an early corner. This early pressure led to them taking the lead after four minutes of the restart. Joni Kauko's attempted cross, aimed at Pereyra Díaz in the box, took a huge deflection off Pritam Kotal and found the target, wrong-footing Mohammad Nawaz in goal.
Chennaiyin maintained possession after going behind, but their attacking pattern remained the same, using their wide players to whip crosses into the box. Mumbai City's defense maintained its shape and ensured that the opposition forwards did not create any clear-cut chances.
Chennaiyin earned a total of 15 corner kicks, including four back-to-back while chasing the equaliser, but were unable to capitalise on the pressure created on the defense. The closest they came to scoring was when Mandar Rao Dessai could not get a proper connection after an initial corner kick was recycled into the box during the dying stages of the match.
In the end, Mumbai City held on to their slender lead to secure all three points in front of their home crowd. Mumbai City defender Akash Mishra was named the Player of the Match.
