Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over NorthEast United at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Monday night, marking their first victory of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season.
The Mariners’ victory also makes this the fifth comeback of the season, with just two gameweeks completed. The result extends Mohun Bagan’s scoring streak to 12 consecutive ISL matches, while NorthEast United failed to keep a clean sheet for the first time in three games.
NorthEast United came out firing and wasted no time unsettling the Mohun Bagan defence with blistering pace. Alaeddine Ajaraei almost opened the scoring early, hitting the post after a clever cross from Jithin MS. The Mariners struggled to cope with Jithin’s speed and agility, as he consistently beat his markers down the left wing.
The Highlanders’ persistence paid off in just the fourth minute. Ajaraei made amends for his earlier miss by delivering a perfectly weighted cross to fellow Moroccan Mohammed Ali Bemammer, who blasted a powerful shot past Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, giving NorthEast United an early lead.
Despite the pressure, the home side hit back quickly. In the 10th minute, Dippendu Biswas soared above the defence to head home a free kick delivered by Dimitrios Petrratos, leveling the score at 1-1. It was a special moment for the 21-year-old defender, who marked his first senior team goal.
NorthEast United responded within ten minutes. Ajaraei and Jithin combined once again, with the latter charging down the left flank before setting up Ajaraei in the box. The Moroccan coolly finished to restore the visitors’ lead in the 24th minute, sending them into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
The second half started cautiously, with both teams battling for control in midfield. However, Mohun Bagan found their breakthrough in the 61st minute, when Subhasis Bose capitalized on a loose ball after NorthEast United goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh failed to gather a corner, making it 2-2.
The Mariners continued to push for the winner and were rewarded in the 87th minute. Substitute Sahal Abdul Samad set up fellow substitute Jason Cummings, who slotted home the decisive goal, sealing a 3-2 victory for Jose Molina’s side.
Mohun Bagan’s dramatic win continues their strong early-season form, while NorthEast United will need to regroup after their first defensive lapse in three matches.
