MBSG 2-2 MCFC, ISL 2024-25: Krouma Scores in Stoppage Time to Hold Mohun Bagan to a Draw.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC have dominated the title duels in three of the last four seasons, with MBSG and MCFC winning the Shield and Cup among themselves in the last two seasons. 

MBSG 2-2 MCFC, ISL 2024-25: Krouma Scores in Stoppage Time to Hold Mohun Bagan to a Draw.

        

                        In a thrilling opener to the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, Mumbai City FC (MCFC) snatched a 2-2 draw against Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Thaer Krouma's dramatic stoppage-time goal ensured Mumbai City salvaged a point from what seemed to be a losing position for most of the match. This contest lived up to the hype, delivering high-octane football between two of the league's powerhouses.

Early Drama: Own Goal Gives MBSG the Lead

The match began with both sides trying to assert their dominance early on. It didn't take long for the first bit of drama to unfold. In the 9th minute, Mumbai City's defender Tiri inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, gifting Mohun Bagan an early 1-0 lead. What was meant to be a routine clearance turned into a nightmare as Tiri’s error silenced the Mumbai City fans.

This early setback rattled Mumbai’s composure, and Mohun Bagan took full advantage, continuing to press forward with aggressive intent. The Salt Lake Stadium roared with excitement as the home side looked to capitalize on their momentum.

Mohun Bagan Double Their Advantage

It wasn’t long before Mohun Bagan doubled their lead. In the 28th minute, Alberto Rodriguez headed home a well-placed corner from Dimitri Petratos, sending the crowd into raptures. The towering centre-back’s powerful header beat Mumbai’s goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa, making it 2-0 for the Kolkata giants.

At this stage, it seemed like Mohun Bagan were cruising towards a comfortable victory. Mumbai City, reeling from two quick setbacks, struggled to find any rhythm. Their passes were sloppy, and their usually potent attack lacked the bite to trouble Mohun Bagan’s defence.

Second Half Comeback: Mumbai City Start to Fight Back

The second half, however, saw a rejuvenated Mumbai City. Coach Des Buckingham made crucial substitutions that turned the tide in Mumbai’s favour. As the game resumed, Mumbai City FC came out with renewed vigour, pushing forward with intent.

In the 70th minute, Tiri atoned for his earlier own goal by pulling one back for Mumbai. Following a well-worked corner, Tiri pounced on a loose ball in the box and turned it into the net to make it 2-1. The goal gave Mumbai City a much-needed lifeline and set the stage for an exhilarating final 20 minutes.

Krouma’s Last-Minute Heroics

Mohun Bagan continued to defend resolutely, but Mumbai City FC refused to give up. The clock ticked towards full-time, and it appeared that the home side would secure all three points. However, deep into stoppage time, substitute Thaer Krouma became the hero for Mumbai City.

In the 90th minute, Noufal PN delivered a perfect low cross from the left into the box. Krouma, finding space, calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, beating Vishal Kaith to level the score at 2-2. The goal sent the Mumbai City supporters into a frenzy, as their team had pulled off a miraculous comeback.

Controversy in Added Time

The final moments of the match were not without controversy. Just moments after Krouma’s equaliser, Mohun Bagan had a strong penalty claim turned down. Suhail Ahmed's cross appeared to strike Mehtab Singh’s arm inside the box, leading to loud appeals from the Mohun Bagan players and fans. However, the referee waved play on, much to the dismay of the home crowd.

Vikram Partap Singh nearly completed the turnaround for Mumbai City on the counterattack, but he was stopped in his tracks by Subhasish Bose, who received a yellow card for his tactical foul. Despite the late pressure from both teams, the referee blew the final whistle, and the game ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Key Highlights:

• 9' MBSG 1-0 MCFC: An own goal by Tiri gives Mohun Bagan an early lead.
• 28' MBSG 2-0 MCFC: Alberto Rodriguez doubles the lead with a commanding header.
• 70' MBSG 2-1 MCFC: Tiri redeems himself by scoring from a corner.
• 90' MBSG 2-2 MCFC: Thaer Krouma scores a stoppage-time equaliser to secure a point for Mumbai City.

A Clash of ISL Titans

This match continued the fierce rivalry between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC, who have dominated the ISL in recent seasons. Both teams have contested title deciders in three of the last four seasons, making this fixture one of the most anticipated in the ISL calendar.

While Mohun Bagan will feel aggrieved at not securing all three points, Mumbai City will take heart from their never-say-die attitude. Both sides have showcased their quality and will undoubtedly be title contenders as the ISL 2024-25 season progresses.

Final Thoughts

This 2-2 draw sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting ISL season. Mohun Bagan, despite being held to a draw, showed why they are one of the top teams in the league. Mumbai City, on the other hand, will be buoyed by their late comeback and will look to build on this momentum.

Both teams have plenty to work on, but if this match is anything to go by, fans are in for a thrilling season of Indian football.