Guwahati, October 12, 2026: NorthEast United FC began their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026–27 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Monday. Jithin MS scored the decisive goal in the second minute of added time to secure three valuable points for NEUFC in their opening home fixture.
Both teams started the match with attacking intent. NorthEast United created an early opportunity, but Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith made a timely save. The visitors responded in the ninth minute when Lee Erwin struck the woodwork from a set-piece situation, narrowly missing the chance to put his side ahead.
The first half remained closely contested, with both teams looking for an opening. NorthEast United introduced Jithin at the start of the second half, replacing Asheer Akhtar, while Mohun Bagan brought on Manvir Singh for Chhangte.
Mohun Bagan continued to press forward, but NEUFC goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh made important saves to keep the hosts in the contest. The visitors made further attacking changes in the 59th minute, introducing Liston Colaco and Miguel Figueira in an attempt to break the deadlock.
NEUFC also strengthened their attack by bringing on Parthib Gogoi and Nikola Ninković. The hosts gradually gained momentum and created several opportunities in the second half.
In the 71st minute, a cross found Jithin in a promising position, but Mohun Bagan defender Mehtab Singh intervened to deny him a clear chance. NorthEast United striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie later found the net with a long-range effort, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Both sides continued to search for a winner. Mohun Bagan came close in the 87th minute when substitute Suhail Bhat connected with a cross from Liston Colaco, only for his effort to hit the woodwork.
The decisive moment arrived in the 90+2nd minute. After Kaith saved an initial effort, the rebound came off the post and fell to Jithin, who reacted quickly to score the winning goal.
The late strike secured a memorable victory for NEUFC and gave the club a positive start to its new ISL campaign.
