Rajasthan United FC (RUFC) pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the AIFF Super Cup on Monday, defeating Indian Super League (ISL) heavyweight Mumbai City FC (MCFC) 1-0 in a tense Group D encounter at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The victory, sealed by new signing Robinson Blandon’s precise first-half strike, made RUFC the first second-division side to win a match in this year’s tournament. It was a performance built on grit, determination, and tactical discipline, as Vikrant Sharma’s men outmuscled their more fancied opponents in a scrappy but effective display.
Mumbai City, coming off a confident 4-1 win over Sporting Club Delhi, began the match brightly, creating early chances through set-pieces. Their best opportunity arrived in the 13th minute when Lallianzuala Chhangte’s dangerous cross unsettled the RUFC defence. Goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri initially fumbled the ball, but Blandon, showing awareness at the back as well as in attack, cleared the danger before MCFC could capitalise.
From that moment, Rajasthan United took control of the tempo, relying on physical football to unsettle the ISL side. The first half was littered with fouls—15 in total—and saw three yellow cards issued, two to RUFC’s P.P. Shafeel and Abdul Samed Ango. The I-League outfit’s aggressive approach, featuring body checks and crunching tackles, may not have been elegant, but it effectively disrupted Mumbai’s rhythm.
Coach Vikrant Sharma’s tactical plan was evident: allow Mumbai’s 4-4-2 system to push wide and exploit the space left in central areas. The breakthrough came from this very strategy. In the 42nd minute, Pangambam Naoba Meitei surged down the left flank before cutting the ball inside to Blandon, who was left unmarked at the edge of the box. The Colombian striker made no mistake, slotting his shot into the bottom-right corner past a helpless Phurba Lachenpa.
The second half saw Mumbai pressing hard for an equaliser, but Rajasthan’s backline held firm, showing remarkable composure and defensive organisation. Every clearance, interception, and challenge was met with roars from the RUFC bench as they protected their slender lead to the final whistle.
The result throws Group D wide open. With Mumbai City, Rajasthan United, and Kerala Blasters (KBFC) all in contention for a single semifinal spot, the final round of matches will be decisive. Anything but a loss will send KBFC through, while MCFC will rely on other results. If all three teams finish level on six points, head-to-head goal difference and goals scored will determine who advances.
For now, though, it’s Rajasthan United celebrating a famous night—one that will be remembered as a proud moment for I-League football.
