Manvir Singh’s Late Strike Sinks Chennaiyin FC as Mohun Bagan Triumph
Manvir Singh's 85th-minute strike secures a dramatic 1-0 win for Mohun Bagan Super Giant against Chennaiyin FC in a tense ISL clash.
In a high-voltage encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, Mohun Bagan Super Giant snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC. The deadlock was finally broken in the dying embers of the game when Manvir Singh late winner secured all three points for the Mariners in a match defined by exceptional goalkeeping and missed opportunities.
A Battle of the Goalkeepers
For the vast majority of the contest, the story was told by the men between the posts. Mohammad Nawaz for Chennaiyin FC and Vishal Kaith for Mohun Bagan Super Giant were in inspired form, repeatedly denying their opponents to keep the scoreline blank.
Chennaiyin FC emerged with intent from the whistle. Nikola Stojanović tested the waters early with a long-range effort that flew over the bar, while Brison Fernandes and Irfan Yadwad both came agonizingly close to scoring. Fernandes saw his shot drift narrowly wide from inside the area, and Yadwad’s header, delivered from a Stojanović cross, just missed the mark.
Mohun Bagan responded with their own threats. Samir Zeljković forced a save from Nawaz, and Alberto Rodríguez missed a golden opportunity from close range following a corner. As the first half progressed, Kaith remained alert to deny Yadwad and Madih Talal, while Nawaz continued his fine run by stopping attempts from Lee Erwin and Dejan Dražić, ensuring the teams went into the break level.
Tactical Shifts and Near Misses
Seeking a breakthrough in the second half, the Mariners made strategic changes, introducing Sahal Abdul Samad for Lallianzuala Chhangte at the interval, followed by Anirudh Thapa replacing Zeljković shortly after.
The visitors from Chennai continued to press. Vishal Kaith was once again called into action to save efforts from Yadwad and Ramon, while Namgyal Bhutia and Fernandes continued to threaten, though neither could find the target. Chennaiyin eventually turned to their bench, bringing on Bryce Miranda, Lalhriatpuia Chawngthu, and S Prakadeswaran to inject fresh energy into the attack.
The tension peaked when Nikola Stojanović nearly silenced the home crowd. After being set up by Prakadeswaran, Stojanović unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that rattled the crossbar. He followed up with another attempt, but Kaith was on hand to make a crucial save, keeping the Mariners in the hunt.
The Dramatic Finale
With the game seemingly heading toward a stalemate, Mohun Bagan made late substitutions, bringing on Liston Colaço and Abhishek Suryavanshi for Deepak Tangri and Dražić. This move proved to be a masterstroke.
In the 85th minute, Liston Colaço delivered a precise cross into the danger zone. Manvir Singh was perfectly positioned to meet the ball, finishing with a clinical chest-shot from close range to send the home fans into a frenzy.
Despite a final push from Chennaiyin FC, the Mariners held their nerve to protect the slim lead, ensuring a hard-fought victory in a match where a single moment of brilliance decided the outcome.