- Lee Erwin struck the woodwork in the ninth minute, while substitute Suhail Bhat hit the post late in the game.
- Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis highlighted his side’s inability to finish clear chances and deliver accurate crosses.
- Vishal Kaith initially saved NorthEast United’s stoppage-time effort.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant had enough chances to begin their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 campaign with a victory, but poor finishing and a late defensive lapse cost them dearly.
Just when the Mariners appeared set to escape with a point, Jithin M.S. struck in the 90+2nd minute to hand NorthEast United FC a dramatic 1-0 win in Guwahati on Monday.
For head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, the defeat was a frustrating reminder that creating opportunities means little if a team cannot convert them. Mohun Bagan hit the woodwork twice and created several promising openings, yet left the pitch empty-handed.
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Missed Chances Prove Costly For Mohun Bagan
The warning signs appeared early. In the ninth minute, Lee Erwin saw his effort strike the woodwork after Mohun Bagan won a promising set-piece opportunity. It was a chance to take control of the contest, but the visitors failed to find the breakthrough.
Mohun Bagan continued to push forward after the interval, with Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco and Miguel Figueira introduced as the coaching staff looked for an attacking spark. However, NorthEast United goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh made important saves to keep the hosts in the game.
With the help of a sensational goal from Jithin subran Northeast United FC defeats the visiting team Mohun Bagan SG at Guwahati Indira Gandhi athletic Stadium. https://t.co/6FdwVTClXa
— Ashish N (@axey401) October 12, 2026
The Mariners' frustration was summed up by another missed opportunity in the 87th minute. Substitute Suhail Bhat connected with a cross from Liston Colaco, only for his effort to hit the woodwork.
Dilmperis later said his side had five clear chances in front of goal, along with several opportunities to deliver better crosses and through balls. He also admitted that the players needed to make better decisions in the final third.
NorthEast United Grow Into The Game
While Mohun Bagan struggled to finish their chances, NorthEast United gradually became more dangerous as the match progressed.
Jithin, introduced at half-time, added energy to the hosts' attack. Alaeddine Ajaraie briefly thought he had scored with a long-range effort, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Nikola Ninkovic also fired wide in the 83rd minute as NorthEast continued searching for a winner.
The breakthrough finally arrived in stoppage time. Vishal Kaith saved the initial attempt, but the rebound came off the post and fell to Jithin, who reacted quickest to score.
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A Lesson For The Mariners
The result exposed two issues Mohun Bagan must address, clinical finishing and concentration until the final whistle. Their ability to create chances was evident, but the lack of a decisive touch allowed NorthEast United to remain in contention.
Dilmperis apologised to the fans after the defeat, insisting that his team believed it deserved a better result. Yet football rarely rewards chances alone.