SC Delhi Stage Stunning Late Comeback to Beat Mumbai City FC 3-2
SC Delhi overturned a 2-0 deficit to beat Mumbai City FC 3-2 in a dramatic ISL 2026-27 encounter at the Mumbai Football Arena.
In one of the most dramatic encounters of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, SC Delhi pulled off a breathtaking turnaround to defeat Mumbai City FC 3-2 at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday. After trailing by two goals at halftime, the visitors unleashed a scoring spree in the final 20 minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Mumbai City Dominate the First Half
The home side started the match with blistering intensity. Within the first four minutes, Akash Mishra delivered a precise through ball to Muhammad Ajsal. While Ajsal's initial shot was saved, Zothanpuia was quick to react, though his follow-up effort was blocked.
The deadlock was broken in the 6th minute when Ajsal combined with Noufal in a slick one-two sequence. Capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Lamgoulen Hangshing, Ajsal slotted the ball home, marking Mumbai City FC’s first goal of the season scored from open play.
SC Delhi attempted to fight back, with Duvan Viafara nearly scoring in the 12th minute, but his long-range left-footed strike flew just over the bar. Mumbai City continued to press, and in the 23rd minute, Hridaya Jain missed a golden opportunity, firing over the goal after receiving a cushioned pass from Ajsal.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 27th minute. Noufal surged down the left flank and delivered a cross for Zothanpuia, who remained composed to finish with his right foot, leaving the goalkeeper helpless. SC Delhi had a chance to narrow the gap in the 35th minute when Mohammad Azhar’s curling effort struck the crossbar, leaving the score at 2-0 at the interval.
Tactical Shifts and Rising Tension
Seeking a spark, SC Delhi made two substitutions at the break, introducing Richard Ndayishimaye and Ashutosh Mehta. The second half began with both teams attacking aggressively. Hridaya Jain almost scored in the 58th minute, but a crucial sliding challenge from Clarence Fernandes prevented the shot.
As the game progressed, the atmosphere grew heated, with physical skirmishes breaking out between players across the pitch. Mumbai City’s goalkeeper, TP Rehenesh, kept the visitors at bay for a while, including a fine save from a Juan Pena long-range effort in the 60th minute.
The Great Escape: A 20-Minute Blitz
The momentum shifted decisively in the 71st minute when SC Delhi brought on Augustine Lalrochana and Carlos Fortes. Fortes wasted no time making his mark; in the 73rd minute, a corner was spilled by Rehenesh, and Ashutosh Mehta provided the assist for Fortes to tap in, bringing the score to 2-1.
Mumbai City attempted to stabilize by introducing Brandon Fernandes, but the visitors' momentum was unstoppable. In the 88th minute, Akshat Mehra entered the fray and immediately changed the game. Receiving a pass from Ndayishimaye, Mehra unleashed a curling shot that Rehenesh could only push into his own net, leveling the score at 2-2 in the 92nd minute.
The Final Blow
With the match seemingly headed for a draw, Juan Pena produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 94th minute. Sprinting forward, Pena danced past two Mumbai City defenders with ease before slotting the ball home to complete the comeback.
The solo effort sealed a stunning 3-2 victory for SC Delhi, leaving the home crowd in shock and providing the visitors with a hard-fought three points.