Mumbai City FC Make Dramatic Comeback To Draw Mohun Bagan 2-2 In Indian Super League Opener

Mohun Bagan's defensive frailties haunted them once again within a fortnight, as they squandered a two-goal lead to play out a 2-2 draw with Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League opening match in Kolkata on Friday. One of the longest serving foreigners of the league, Mumbai City's Tiri gave his former side Mohun Bagan an early lead with an own goal in the ninth minute before scoring for his current team's first goal of the day in the 70th minute. Alberto Rodriguez, making his ISL debut for Mohun Bagan, had given the Mariners a two-goal advantage with a 28th minute strike.

However, reminiscent of their Durand Cup final defeat to NorthEast United FC on August 31 at the same venue, the Jose Molina-coached Mohun Bagan could not maintain their advantage.

Amid a heavy downpour, Mumbai City FC mounted a strong comeback in the second-half equalising through substitute Thaer Krouma to secure a crucial away point.

Mohun Bagan's Liston Colaco was allowed to penetrate the Mumbai defence, out-muscling Valpuia to enter the box. It was after Mumbai City failed to clear a free kick taken by Mohun Bagan.

Subhasish Bose threaded a pass to Colaco on the left wing, who then delivered a low cross into the six-yard box. Mumbai's goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa missed his interception, and the ball deflected off Tiri, sending it into his own net to give Mohun Bagan an early lead.

Mumbai had their chances, most notably in the 13th minute when captain Lallianzuala Chhangte's inviting cross from the right found Nikolaos Karelis at the far post, but the striker mistimed his header, missing a golden opportunity to equalise.

The Mariners doubled their advantage in the 28th minute through debutant Alberto Rodriguez's fiery strike.

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