East Bengal FC produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Mumbai City FC 2-1 in the Indian Super League on Tuesday at the Mumbai Football Arena.
Trailing after an early strike from Brandon Fernandes, the visitors turned the match around through second-half goals from substitutes Youssef Ezzejjari and Nandha Kumar to secure an important away victory and climb to the top of the ISL standings.
The result moved East Bengal to 21 points from 10 matches, edging ahead of Jamshedpur FC on goal difference. Mumbai City, meanwhile, dropped to fifth place with 19 points from 11 games and suffered its first home defeat of the campaign.
Mumbai City began brightly and took the lead inside eight minutes. A long throw from Akash Mishra caused confusion in the penalty area before Brandon Fernandes reacted quickest to smash a left-footed effort into the top corner.
The Islanders looked dangerous throughout the first half. Vikram Pratap Singh threatened repeatedly down the right flank, while Lallianzuala Chhangte and Joni Kauko also helped Mumbai create several promising openings.
East Bengal struggled to impose themselves early on, although Mohammed Rashid tested goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa from distance. Edmund Lalrindika and captain Saúl Crespo also had efforts blocked or drift off target as the visitors searched for a route back into the contest.
The momentum shifted dramatically after halftime when East Bengal coach Óscar Bruzón introduced Miguel Figueira, Youssef Ezzejjari and Souvik Chakrabarti. The tactical changes immediately added energy and attacking intent.
The equaliser came in the 58th minute after Kauko’s challenge inside the penalty area resulted in a spot-kick. Ezzejjari confidently converted, driving his effort low into the corner despite Lachenpa diving the correct way.
Mumbai City attempted to respond quickly, with Chhangte forcing a sharp save from goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. However, East Bengal completed the turnaround in the 71st minute.
A flowing move initiated by Figueira ended with substitute Nandha Kumar cutting inside from the left before firing from the edge of the area. The shot took a slight deflection off defender Bijay Chhetri and found the back of the net.
The home side pressed relentlessly in stoppage time and came agonisingly close to an equaliser when substitute Gyamar Nikum struck the woodwork. Late efforts from Kauko and Jorge Ortíz were also denied as East Bengal’s defence stood firm under pressure.
After surviving a tense finish, East Bengal celebrated a comeback victory that highlighted both its squad depth and growing title credentials.
