Manvir Singh’s 85th-minute header gives Mohun Bagan 1-0 win over Chennaiyin at Salt Lake Stadium

Mohun Bagan beat Chennaiyin FC 1-0 at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata in their first home match of the Indian Super League 2026-27 season on Monday, 26 October 2026, with Manvir Singh scoring the decisive goal in the 85th minute as the Mariners secured a second straight win.

Mohun Bagan absorbed sustained pressure from a described ‘‘dangerous and free-flowing’’ Chennaiyin side before Manvir’s late header settled the contest; the club posted ‘‘First home game, first home win 💚♥️#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরু’’ on social media after the match. The victory followed a game in which both teams created chances, but only Mohun Bagan converted in the closing stages.

Mohun Bagan’s goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was credited with a strong showing, making six saves to keep his side level until the winner, while Mehtab displayed attacking intent by creating two chances and registering nine defensive contributions, including three interceptions. In central defence, Rodriguez produced six clearances and four possession recoveries; Bheke, by contrast, was noted for a difficult evening with only one defensive contribution and instances of being bypassed in dangerous areas.

Midfield performances for Mohun Bagan were mixed: Abhishek recorded eight possession recoveries and won eight duels after improving in the second half, Tangri conceded a foul 15 seconds into the match, lost eight duels and completed just one tackle, and a Bosnian midfielder was described as struggling under the game’s intensity, losing numerous duels and being substituted. Drazic failed to spark the attack, giving away possession multiple times and creating no chances.

Up front, Manvir Singh was praised for his work rate and defensive contributions in addition to finishing the match by heading home Colaco’s inviting pass for the winner; Colaco provided the assist from open play. Chhangte continued to struggle early in the season, creating only one chance with a cross and being withdrawn at half-time, while an unnamed Scottish striker completed only nine passes and had limited involvement.

Chennaiyin’s defending and midfield work featured several notable contributors: Emmanuel Immanishimwe recorded 100% pass accuracy in the first half and finished with 10 defensive contributions, eight clearances and one block, Laldinpuia made 10 clearances and four recoveries, and Saheef posted 13 defensive contributions overall and had a shot off target around the 35th minute. Namgyal Bhutia had a significant chance in the 33rd minute that went wide and logged eight defensive contributions.

Chennaiyin creators Madih Talal and Nikola produced key attacking moments — Madih completed 41 of 45 passes, created six chances and took three shots, while Nikola struck the bar from distance in the second half and later tested Vishal Kaith from the edge of the box. Irfan Yadwad fashioned two big one-on-one opportunities, one saved by Kaith in the 27th minute and another requiring a fingertip stop in the 48th, ending the match with five shots and two on target.

Substitutes altered the game tempo: Sahal Abdul Samad was rated 6/10 after missing shot attempts but contributing in link-up play; Thapa added urgency and chance creation after coming on; Bose provided five defensive contributions from the bench; Ramon Tanque replaced Brison Fernandes in the 61st minute and registered three shots with one on target, while Brison had been involved early with two first-half chances. Bryce entered in the 73rd minute for Ayush Chhetri, making two defensive contributions and recording a 92% passing stat on his outing.

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