Mohun Bagan Super Giant delivered a stunning late comeback to defeat Punjab FC 3-2 in a gripping Indian Super League 2025-26 encounter at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday.
The match began with Punjab asserting early dominance, catching the hosts off guard with a sharp attacking approach. Their intent paid off in the 12th minute when Daniel Ramirez calmly slotted the ball home from close range after being set up by a well-measured cross from Mohammad Uvais. The early goal exposed Mohun Bagan’s sluggish start and handed the visitors an advantage.
However, the home side gradually found their rhythm and responded before the half-hour mark. In the 29th minute, Jamie Maclaren brought Mohun Bagan level, finishing clinically after a clever assist from Robson Robinho. The equaliser injected confidence into the hosts, ensuring both teams went into the break on even terms.
The second half saw the tempo rise significantly, with both sides pushing forward in search of a decisive goal. Punjab once again took the lead around the hour mark through Nigerian forward Nsungusi Effiong. Meeting a precise delivery from compatriot Bede Osuji, Effiong executed a sharp volley to restore his team’s advantage and put Mohun Bagan under pressure.
As the clock ticked into the final quarter, the hosts appeared to be running out of time. Head coach Sergio Lobera responded by making key attacking substitutions, a move that would ultimately change the course of the game.
One of those substitutes, Sahal Abdul Samad, made an immediate impact. In the 73rd minute, he unleashed a superb long-range strike that beat the goalkeeper and brought Mohun Bagan back on level terms. The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in favour of the home side, energising both players and supporters.
With stoppage time underway and the match seemingly headed for a draw, Mohun Bagan produced the decisive moment. Another substitute, Jason Cummings, found the winning goal in the 90+1 minute, completing a remarkable turnaround and sending the home crowd into celebration.
The victory lifts Mohun Bagan to second place in the standings with 17 points from eight matches, just behind Mumbai City FC, who lead with 18 points. More importantly, the result keeps Mohun Bagan firmly in the hunt for the ISL title, underlining their resilience and attacking depth in high-pressure situations.
