Mumbai City FC survived a late surge from Inter Kashi to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the Indian Super League 2025–26 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday. The Islanders showed composure in key moments to earn their third win of the campaign and move up to third place in the standings with 11 points, while Inter Kashi remained eighth with five points.

Mumbai captain Lallianzuala Chhangte delivered a standout performance and was named Player of the Match after playing a decisive role in both of his side’s goals.

The visitors started brightly and controlled possession early in the match. In the fourth minute, left winger Ayush Chhikara had the first chance of the game, but his close-range attempt was comfortably handled by Inter Kashi goalkeeper Lluis Tarrés. Chhikara threatened again in the 18th minute after being set up by Chhangte, but his right-footed effort drifted narrowly wide.

Mumbai continued pressing forward as Jorge Ortiz attempted a long-range shot in the 20th minute, but it sailed over the crossbar. Inter Kashi struggled to create clear opportunities during the early stages, although Sumeet Passi tried his luck from outside the box in the 22nd minute, only to see his shot blocked by the Mumbai defence.

Despite Mumbai’s control of the ball, Inter Kashi remained organised at the back and relied on quick counterattacks. Their best chance of the first half came in the 42nd minute when Javi Llamas forced a sharp save from Mumbai goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa with a powerful strike from the right side.

The breakthrough came deep into stoppage time before the interval. From a well-delivered corner by Chhangte, midfielder Noufal PN found space inside the box and slotted the ball into the net, giving Mumbai City FC a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

Inter Kashi returned from the break with renewed determination and quickly found an equaliser. In the 51st minute, Sandip Mandi delivered a cross from the left that Rohit Danu met perfectly with a close-range header to level the score.

However, the visitors responded almost instantly. Just a minute later, Ortiz slipped a precise through ball into the penalty area for Chhangte, who calmly finished with his left foot to restore Mumbai’s advantage in the 52nd minute.

The game became increasingly open as both teams searched for more goals. Domantas Petkevičius tested Lachenpa with a close-range attempt, while Danu tried a long-range strike that forced another save from the Mumbai goalkeeper. At the other end, Noufal nearly added a second but was denied by Tarrés.

Inter Kashi pushed hard in the closing stages, especially after Mumbai defender Hmingthanmawia Ralte was sent off in stoppage time. The hosts created several late chances, with Wayne Vaz forcing a crucial save and the team striking the crossbar twice. Despite the pressure, Mumbai City FC held firm to claim a valuable victory.