A dramatic late intervention from Lallianzuala Chhangte ensured Mumbai City FC salvaged a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC in their Indian Super League 2025-26 clash at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday, March 1.
The Islanders moved provisionally to fourth place with seven points, while the Highlanders remained 10th with two. Chhangte’s decisive contribution earned him the Player of the Match award after he cancelled out Jithin MS’s second-half opener.
Highlanders strike first after a balanced opening half
Mumbai head coach Petr Krátký named an unchanged XI, whereas NorthEast’s Juan Pedro Benali introduced Lalrinzuala, Laishram Danny Meitei, and Redeem Tlang into his starting lineup.
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NorthEast began with greater control in possession but found it difficult to pierce Mumbai’s compact defensive block. The first clear sight of the goal came in the 11th minute when Chhangte’s long-range strike forced Gurmeet Singh into a sharp save. Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Brandon Fernandes both threatened before the break, but neither side could convert half-chances into a breakthrough.
The contest opened up soon after halftime. In the 48th minute, Andy Rodríguez’s delivery from a free kick confused the box. The ball eventually fell to Jithin MS, who rifled a precise finish into the near post from a tight angle to hand the visitors a 1-0 advantage. NorthEast nearly doubled their lead through set-pieces, but their attempts lacked accuracy.
Chhangte’s late response rescues a point
Mumbai gradually increased tempo and territorial dominance as the half progressed. Vikram Pratap Singh and Brandon Fernandes both tested the defence, while NorthEast remained dangerous on counters and dead-ball situations.
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The equaliser arrived in the 84th minute. Joni Kauko’s lofted pass released Pereyra Díaz, whose shot was parried by Gurmeet Singh. Chhangte reacted quickest inside the six-yard area, nodding home the rebound to restore parity.
Both sides searched for a winner in stoppage time, but neither could produce a decisive finish.
After Gameweek 3, Mohun Bagan Super Giant lead the table with nine points, ahead of Jamshedpur FC. FC Goa sit third, with Mumbai fourth on goal difference, as the title race begins to take early shape.
