A dramatic late strike from Lallianzuala Chhangte ensured Mumbai City FC salvaged a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League 2025-26 season at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday, March 1.
The result lifts Mumbai City FC provisionally to fourth place in the standings with seven points from three matches. NorthEast United FC, meanwhile, remain 10th with two points. Chhangte’s impact earned him the Player of the Match award after he struck the decisive equaliser in the closing stages.
NorthEast United FC started brightly and dominated possession in the early exchanges. However, despite controlling large spells, the visitors struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Mumbai City FC stayed organised defensively and waited for openings to counter.
The first significant chance of the match fell to the home side in the 11th minute. Chhangte unleashed a powerful left-footed effort from distance, forcing goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh into a sharp save as he tipped the ball over the bar.
As the first half progressed, Mumbai City FC began to look more threatening. Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Brandon Fernandes both came close, narrowly missing the target. NorthEast United FC responded with moments of promise, including an opportunity for Jithin MS inside the box, but his effort drifted wide. The opening 45 minutes ended goalless, with both teams showing intent but lacking precision.
The breakthrough came shortly after halftime. In the 48th minute, Andy Rodríguez delivered a dangerous free kick into the penalty area. The ball eventually fell kindly to Jithin, who calmly fired a right-footed shot from a tight angle into the near post to give NorthEast United FC a 1-0 lead.
Buoyed by the goal, the visitors grew in confidence. Mumbai City FC responded by committing more players forward. Brandon saw a shot blocked, while Vikram Pratap Singh tried his luck from distance as the hosts increased the tempo.
With time running out, Mumbai’s pressure intensified. The equaliser finally arrived in the 84th minute through a well-crafted move. Joni Kauko slipped a precise pass to Pereyra Díaz, whose powerful attempt was parried by Gurmeet. Chhangte reacted quickest, heading the rebound home from close range.
Both sides searched for a late winner, with Chhangte going close again in stoppage time, but neither could find the decisive goal. In the end, the spoils were shared after an evenly contested battle in Mumbai.
