Jithin's late rebound sinks defending champions Mohun Bagan

NorthEast United FC booked an unlikely opener in the MG Indian Super League 2026-27 when substitute Jithin M.S. buried a rebound after defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giants keeper Vishal Kaith stopped the initial effort and the ball kissed the post. The strike arrived in the 90+2nd minute at Guwahati's IGAS on 12 October 2026, handing the Highlanders a 1-0 win and three crucial points on gameweek one.

Mohun Bagan, the defending champions from Kolkata, went closest through woodwork twice — Lee Erwin with a set-piece in the ninth minute, then Suhail Bhat connecting with Liston Colaco's cross in the 87th. NEUFC goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh's saves held the score flat deep into a second half in which a long-range effort by Alaeddine Ajaraie was ruled out for offside.

Jithin came on for Asheer Akhtar at half-time and immediately reshaped the attack, but it was one final surge in five minutes of added time that broke the deadlock. Next up, Mohun Bagan host Sporting Club Delhi on 16 October while NorthEast United face Kerala Blasters on 18 October, both kick-offs at 7:30 PM IST.

Final Score

1-0 NorthEast United beat defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giants at Guwahati's IGAS to open MG ISL 2026-27 with three points.ETV BharatIndian Super League (official)

Winning Goal

90+2' Jithin M.S. tapped in the rebound after Vishal Kaith saved and the ball hit the post, with five minutes of stoppage time on the clock.ETV BharatIndian Super League (official)

Jithin Came On

HT Jithin replaced Asheer Akhtar at half-time and scored 45 minutes later, having reshaped the attack from his first touch.Indian Super League (official)

Woodwork Strikes

3 Lee Erwin (9') and Suhail Bhat (87') both struck the woodwork for Mohun Bagan, and the winning rebound itself came off the post — three timber strikes in one match.ETV BharatIndian Super League (official)