Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) continued its impressive form in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 with a clinical 2-0 win against NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday. Second-half goals from Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco ensured the Mariners took all three points and climbed to the top of the table with 23 points.
The match began with high intensity, with MBSG asserting its dominance early. The visitors came close in the 10th minute when Liston Colaco hit the post after weaving through the Highlanders’ defense. NorthEast United responded in the 19th minute, with Alaaeddine Ajaraie delivering a precise cross to Nestor Albiach, whose powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Vishal Kaith.
MBSG nearly broke the deadlock just before halftime. Dimitrios Petratos’s curling cross found Colaco, but his attempt lacked power to beat Gurmeet Singh. Moments later, Petratos unleashed a long-range effort, but Gurmeet once again stood firm, ensuring the teams went into the break goalless.
Second Half: Mariners’ Masterclass
NorthEast United introduced Parthib Gogoi for Jithin MS at the start of the second half and began on the front foot. Ajaraie had a golden opportunity to put the hosts ahead but fired wide from close range after a promising build-up.
The breakthrough for MBSG came in the 65th minute when Manvir Singh cut in from the right flank and unleashed a sublime strike into the top-left corner, leaving the Highlanders’ defense and goalkeeper Gurmeet rooted to the spot.
Buoyed by the goal, the Mariners took control, maintaining possession and pressing for a second. Their persistence paid off in the 71st minute when Liston Colaco produced a moment of brilliance, cutting past his marker and curling a stunning shot into the far post to double the visitors’ lead.
Despite the late introduction of Jason Cummings for added attacking options, MBSG remained defensively solid. NorthEast United came close in the 83rd minute when Nestor Albiach’s cross found Parthib Gogoi in the box, but Vishal Kaith denied the youngster with another outstanding save.
The Highlanders pushed for a consolation goal in the dying minutes, but MBSG’s defense held firm, registering their sixth clean sheet of the season.
The win cements MBSG’s position as league leaders. With Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco in fine form, the Mariners look poised to maintain their title charge. Meanwhile, NorthEast United will need to regroup quickly to stay in playoff contention.
