Jithin M.S. Strikes in Stoppage Time as NorthEast United FC Stun Mohun Bagan SG in ISL 2026-27

NorthEast United FC began their home campaign in the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant, courtesy of Jithin M.S.'s stoppage-time winner at the end of a closely contested encounter.

Introduced at half-time, Jithin delivered the decisive moment in the 90+2nd minute, reacting quickest after an initial effort was saved and the rebound came off the post. His late strike sent the home supporters into celebration and secured all three points for the Highlanders against one of the league's strongest sides.

The result was a reward for NorthEast United's persistence after both teams created opportunities throughout the match but struggled to find the finishing touch in regular time.

The contest began at an energetic pace, with NorthEast United looking to make an early impression in front of their home supporters. The hosts created an opportunity in the opening minute, but Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith remained alert to prevent an early breakthrough.

Mohun Bagan responded with a dangerous set-piece opportunity in the ninth minute. Lee Erwin came close to giving the visitors the lead, but his effort struck the woodwork, allowing NorthEast United to escape without conceding.

The early exchanges established the pattern for the evening. Both teams showed attacking intent, but neither could convert its opportunities into a goal. NorthEast United looked to use their attacking movement to unsettle the visitors, while Mohun Bagan continued to search for openings through their forward line. The goalkeepers and defensive units, however, ensured the score remained 0-0 as the match progressed.

Jithin Introduced as NorthEast United Search for a Breakthrough

NorthEast United made their first significant change at the beginning of the second half, bringing on Jithin M.S. in place of Asheer Akhtar. Mohun Bagan also made a substitution, introducing Manvir Singh for Chhangte.

The changes did little to reduce the intensity of the contest. Mohun Bagan continued to push forward, creating pressure around the NorthEast United goal, but goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh produced important saves to keep the hosts in contention.

The visitors attempted to increase their attacking threat further in the 59th minute, introducing Liston Colaco and Miguel Figueira for Sahal Samad and Lee Erwin. NorthEast United responded with a double substitution of their own, bringing on Parthib Gogoi and Nikola for Macarton Nickson and Ethyan Gonzalez as they sought greater attacking momentum.

The changes gradually helped the Highlanders become more threatening in the final third. With Jithin providing an additional attacking option, the hosts began to find opportunities to challenge Mohun Bagan's defensive organisation.

In the 71st minute, a cross towards Jithin presented NorthEast United with a promising opening, but Mohun Bagan defender Mehtab Singh intervened to deny the forward a clear chance. The Highlanders continued to push. Alaeddine Ajaraie appeared to have found the net with a long-range effort, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, prolonging the visitors' relief.

As the match entered its final stages, NorthEast United increased the pressure in search of a winner. Nikola fired off target in the 83rd minute as the hosts attempted to turn their growing attacking momentum into a decisive breakthrough.

Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, came agonisingly close to taking the lead in the 87th minute. Substitute Suhail Bhat connected with a cross from Liston Colaco, but his effort struck the woodwork. The opportunity was a significant moment in a match where the visitors had threatened repeatedly without finding a way past Gurmeet.

With five minutes of additional time indicated, the contest appeared destined for a draw. NorthEast United, however, continued to attack and found the breakthrough in the second minute of stoppage time. The initial effort was saved by Kaith, but the rebound struck the post and fell favourably for Jithin. Alert to the loose ball, the forward reacted quickly and slotted it into the net to make it 1-0.

The late finish proved decisive, transforming a tightly contested encounter into a memorable home victory for the Highlanders.

Jithin's contribution highlighted the value of NorthEast United's second-half changes. Brought on at the interval, he remained involved in the hosts' attacking efforts before delivering the decisive finish when the opportunity arrived.

The result also reflected NorthEast United's determination to continue searching for a goal despite several missed opportunities and the threat posed by Mohun Bagan at the other end. For Mohun Bagan, the defeat will be frustrating given their chances, including Erwin's first-half effort and Bhat's late attempt that struck the woodwork. Kaith and the visitors' defence had kept NorthEast United out for much of the match, but the final attack proved impossible to contain.

NorthEast United FC will take confidence from securing a hard-fought victory against formidable opposition, particularly after remaining disciplined through a match in which the result could have gone either way.

Ultimately, the difference came down to one decisive moment. Jithin M.S. capitalised on the rebound in stoppage time to give the Highlanders a 1-0 win, opening their home campaign with three valuable points in the MG Indian Super League 2026-27 season.