Chennaiyin FC mounted an incredible second-half comeback to snatch a 3-2 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant during matchweek 20 of the Indian Super League’s 10th season at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday. This match had everything a football fan could ask for: drama, suspense, and a last-minute winner that left the home crowd in disbelief.
The match began with Mohun Bagan taking the initiative, controlling the game’s tempo and probing the Chennaiyin defense. Their efforts bore fruit in the 29th minute when Joni Kauko, the Finnish international, capitalized on a cross from Liston Colaco to give Mohun Bagan the lead.
This goal stamped Mohun Bagan’s early dominance in the match, although Chennaiyin’s goalkeeper Debjit Majumder kept his team in the game with several crucial saves, including a notable stop to deny Colaco earlier in the match.
However, the match took a drastic turn after the interval. Underestimating Chennaiyin proved costly for Mohun Bagan as the visitors turned the match on its head with two rapid goals. Jordan Murray and Ryan Edwards were the catalysts for Chennaiyin, finding the back of the net within an eight-minute span, displaying clinical efficiency and punishing Mohun Bagan’s complacency.
The drama intensified as the match neared its conclusion. Mohun Bagan managed to pull back to a 2-2 draw off a penalty by Dimitri Petratos during second-half injury time, momentarily reviving their hopes. Yet, Chennaiyin had the last laugh. Substitute Irfan Yadwad became the hero of the night, securing all three points for Chennaiyin with a decisive goal from a counterattack in the dying moments of injury time.
This victory was significant for Chennaiyin, propelling them to ninth in the league standings with 21 points from 19 matches, while Mohun Bagan’s aspirations for the league shield took a hit, remaining second with 39 points, two behind leaders Mumbai City FC.
For Chennaiyin, this memorable victory not only boosts their confidence but also keeps their slim playoff hopes alive, proving once again that in football, it’s not over until the final whistle.
