Mohammedan Sporting fight back twice to hold SC Delhi in four-goal draw
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Mohammedan Sporting Club showed resilience and attacking intent to come from behind twice and secure a 2-2 draw against Sporting Club Delhi in their Indian Super League 2025–26 clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday.
While the result does little to alter Mohammedan’s position at the bottom of the table, it marks a third consecutive point for the side, taking their tally to three from ten matches. Sporting Club Delhi, meanwhile, move up to 10th place with nine points, but will feel they missed an opportunity to secure all three after leading on two occasions.
The hosts began the contest with clear intent, dominating possession and dictating the tempo in the opening stages. Their midfield, led by Augustine Lalrochana, controlled transitions effectively, while Mohammed Aimen’s movement in advanced areas caused early problems for Mohammedan’s defence. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute. Aimen’s sharp run into the box forced a challenge from goalkeeper Padam Chhetri, who brought him down under pressure. The referee pointed to the spot, and Matija Babovic stepped up to convert the penalty with composure, giving Delhi a deserved lead.
Following the goal, SC Delhi continued to control proceedings. Their passing sequences kept Mohammedan pinned back, limiting the visitors’ ability to build sustained attacks. For much of the first half, Mohammedan struggled to find rhythm, often resorting to long balls without much support in the final third. Despite the early dominance from Delhi, the game began to shift after the mid-half break. Mohammedan showed improved organisation and started to find spaces in transition.
Their equaliser in the 40th minute came from a moment of opportunism. A long ball from Makan Chothe caught the Delhi defence off guard, and as goalkeeper Nora Fernandes rushed out to clear, Thokchom Adison Singh showed composure beyond the situation. He calmly took the ball past the advancing keeper and finished into an empty net to bring Mohammedan level.
The goal altered the momentum heading into the break, giving the visitors renewed belief after a difficult start. The second half opened with both teams showing greater attacking intent, but it was SC Delhi who regained control and retook the lead in the 52nd minute. A shot from Lalrochana forced a save from Padam Chhetri, but the rebound fell into a dangerous area inside the box. Babovic reacted quickest, positioning himself well to slot home his second goal of the match.
At that stage, Delhi appeared to have regained their grip on the game. Their structured approach and ability to create second-ball opportunities continued to trouble Mohammedan’s defence. However, Mohammedan once again demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure. Refusing to retreat, they pushed forward in search of another equaliser and found it in the 65th minute through a well-executed set-piece.
From a short corner routine, Lalngaihsaka delivered a precise cross into the box. Left unmarked at the far post, Hira Mondal timed his run perfectly and powered a header into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The goal highlighted a lapse in Delhi’s defensive organisation but also reflected Mohammedan’s improved attacking coordination in the second half. The final phase of the match saw both sides push for a decisive goal. With the game open, chances came at both ends.
Mohammedan came close through Lalthankima, whose effort was denied by a sharp save from Fernandes. At the other end, Delhi looked threatening through Sourav K and Rafael Ribeiro, but Padam Chhetri produced crucial interventions to keep the scores level.
The intensity remained high in the closing minutes, with both teams committing players forward. However, neither side could convert their opportunities, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw. For Mohammedan Sporting, the result offers some encouragement despite their position at the bottom of the table. Coming from behind twice away from home reflects improved character and attacking intent, areas that had been lacking earlier in the season.
However, the inability to convert draws into wins remains a concern. With only three points from ten matches, their margin for recovery is narrowing. For Sporting Club Delhi, the draw represents a missed opportunity. Having led twice and controlled significant portions of the game, they will be disappointed not to secure maximum points. Defensive lapses, particularly on set-pieces and transitional moments, proved costly.
As the season progresses, both teams face different challenges. Mohammedan must build on this resilience and translate it into victories if they are to climb off the bottom. SC Delhi, on the other hand, need greater defensive consistency to complement their attacking play.
In a match that ebbed and flowed throughout, the final result reflected the balance of play but for both sides, it leaves questions that will need answering in the weeks ahead.
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