ISL 2026-27: Jithin’s stoppage-time goal gives NorthEast United 1-0 win over Mohun Bagan

Substitute Jithin M.S. scored in the second minute of stoppage time as NorthEast United FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 1-0 in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 opener at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Sarusajai, Guwahati, on Monday, 12 October.

The match had been heading for a goalless draw before Jithin, who came on at half-time in place of Asheer Akhtar, struck at 90+2 minutes to give the home side all three points.

How the winner came

Accounts of the goal differ slightly. According to Khel Now and an ANI report carried by Asianet Newsable, Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith saved Jithin’s first effort, the ball came back off the post and Jithin reacted quickest to finish the rebound. The News Mill described the goal as coming from a counter-attack in which Jithin ran into space behind the Mohun Bagan defence before beating Kaith.

Key moments, according to the reports:

• 9th minute: Lee Erwin hit the woodwork for Mohun Bagan from a set piece
• 59th minute: Mohun Bagan brought on Liston Colaco and Miguel Figueira; NorthEast introduced Parthib Gogoi and Nikola
• Late in the second half: Alaeddine Ajaraie had a goal ruled out for offside
• 87th minute: Suhail Bhat hit the woodwork for Mohun Bagan from a Colaco cross
• 90+2 minutes: Jithin scored the winner

Gurmeet keeps the hosts in the game

Mohun Bagan dominated much of the second half, with 19 attempts, six of them on target, according to The News Mill. NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh made a series of saves to keep the visitors out, while Pramveer Ranbir and substitute Saikhom Thoiba Singh made important blocks and clearances, the report said.

Mohun Bagan head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis turned to Colaco, Figueira and Manvir Singh, who replaced Chhangte, in search of a breakthrough, but his side could not convert their pressure into a goal.

The News Mill reported that Pramveer Ranbir was booked in the 69th minute, while Jithin and Ajaraie were cautioned during the goal celebrations. Khel Now and the ANI report did not list any bookings.

Winning start for the hosts

The result gives NorthEast United three points from their first match of the season and their home campaign, while Mohun Bagan begin their campaign with a defeat. No post-match comments from either coach had been reported in the sources at the time of writing.

Sources: Khel Now, Asianet Newsable (ANI), The News Mill