On a thrilling night at Salt Lake Stadium, Mohun Bagan Super Giant clinched their first victory of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season by defeating NorthEast United 3-2 in a five-goal spectacle. This memorable match not only marked the fifth comeback victory for a team this season but also showcased the resilience and determination of both sides.
The match began at an electrifying pace, with NorthEast United taking the initiative to unsettle the Mohun Bagan defense. The first major chance of the game came from Alaeddine Ajaraei, who managed to strike the post with a deft cross from Jithin M.S. down the left flank. The Mariners’ defenders struggled to cope with Jithin’s pace and dribbling skills, allowing him to slip past his marker effortlessly.
NorthEast United’s persistence paid off quickly when Ajaraei atoned for his earlier miss by setting up Mohammed Ali Bemammer with a precisely weighted cross. The Moroccan duo exhibited formidable chemistry, with Bemammer blasting a powerful shot past Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith to open the scoring in just the fourth minute.
Despite the early setback, the hosts remained undeterred and soon leveled the score. A brilliantly executed freekick found youngster Dippendu Biswas, who rose above the NorthEast United defense to head home from a Dimitrios Petrratos delivery in the 10th minute. It was a significant moment for the 21-year-old defender, who netted his maiden goal for the senior squad.
The game continued with high intensity, and the visitors regained their lead in the 24th minute thanks to another splendid move orchestrated by Alaeddine Ajaraei and Jithin M.S. This time, the 26-year-old Ajaraei sprinted down the right side of the penalty box and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, reaffirming NorthEast United’s dominance.
Facing another deficit, Mohun Bagan ramped up their offensive efforts but struggled to convert their chances. The teams exchanged several attacking moves, but NorthEast United maintained their slim lead heading into halftime.
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The second half began with a more cautious approach from both sides, as much of the play was concentrated in midfield. Mohun Bagan, however, gradually increased their pressure and found an equalizer in the 61st minute. Subhasis Bose capitalized on a loose ball inside the box following a corner kick from Greg Stewart. NorthEast United’s goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh failed to collect the corner cleanly, allowing Bose to pounce and bring the score level at 2-2.
The game remained finely poised as both teams sought a decisive goal. It was not until the 87th minute that Mohun Bagan finally broke the deadlock. Substitutes Sahal Abdul Samad and Jason Cummings combined effectively, with Samad delivering an accurate cross for Cummings to convert. Cummings’ goal sealed a dramatic win for Mohun Bagan, much to the delight of the home fans.
Reflecting on the match, it’s clear that the result was a testament to the never-say-die attitude of Jose Molina’s men. This win was particularly meaningful as it extended Mohun Bagan’s streak to 12 consecutive ISL matches with goals, while also marking NorthEast United’s first failure to keep a clean sheet in their last three outings.
Looking ahead, Mohun Bagan Super Giant will be gearing up to face Bengaluru FC on September 28, in what promises to be another exciting encounter. Meanwhile, NorthEast United will return to their home ground to host Kerala Blasters on September 29.
While the game captivated fans with its ebb and flow, it also highlighted individual brilliance and some pivotal moments. The contributions from both sides’ key players ensured that this contest would be remembered as one of the standout fixtures of the season.
This report, sourced from third-party syndicated feeds, encapsulates the essence of a night where football fervor was on full display. While Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or reliability of the text’s content, the exhilaration and dynamism of this match are undeniable. Mid-day also reserves the right to modify or remove content as deemed necessary without prior notice.
