The 11^th edition of the Indian Super League (ISL)  kicked off on Friday, 13 September 2024, with the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata. In the inaugural match ISL Cup Winners Mumbai City FC staged a dramatic late comeback to hold the reigning ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giants to a 2-all draw, after having conceded  a first half Own Goal.

The Islanders under their new captain Lallianzuala Chhangte started the match with a lot of momentum, and even found the back of the net in the fourth minute through Bipin Singh, only to be ruled for being offside. Five minutes later, their dependable custodian Phurba Lachenpa failed to neatly collect a vicious cross from Liston Colaco and the loose ball ricocheted off Tiri who has been one of the longest serving foreigners of the league that gave his former team a 1-0 lead. Alberto Rodriguez, who made his ISL debut for Mohun Bagan, gave the Mariners a two-goal advantage with a 28th minute strike.

Tiri however made amends post the half way stage and scored one past Vishal Kaith, to reduce the margin of deficit. The goal boosted the morale of the Petr Kratky coached side, who mounted a strong comeback in the remaining time of the second-half. A tactical substitution  late in the match saw the introduction of Noufal PN who flourished on the left flank. The 23-year old youngster continued troubling the Mohun Bagan Super Giant backline and eventually found substitute Thaer Krouma in the box, who hammered the ball home to restore parity for the visitors in the dying moments of the match, salvaging a crucial point.o secure a crucial away point.

 Mumbai City’s Noufal PN was named the Man of the Match on his ISL debut for a performance which he can be proud of. The 23-year-old winger came off the bench in the 63rd minute and produced the assist for Krouma’s crucial goal. He also completed 11 of his attempted 14 passes while creating two chances for the visitors.

MCFC Head Coach Petr Kratky commended his players for their remarkable character in securing a point after trailing by two goals, especially considering it was the first match of the season.

“I'm very proud of the boys again, especially in the first game of the season when you don’t know what to expect in terms of new players, characters, and Mohun Bagan SG (the opponent),” Petr said.

He further added “Considering at all these factors, I’m very proud of the group. We just need to keep working on the small things,” Kratky added further.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant will now welcome NorthEast United next on September 23 in a rematch of the Durand Cup 2024 final, whereas Mumbai City will travel to face Jamshedpur FC on September 21 in search of their first win of the season.

Brief Result : Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2 (Tiri OG 9’, Alberto Rodriguez 28’) drew  Mumbai City FC 2 (Tiri 70’, Thaer Krouma 90’). (HT 2-0)