Guwahati, 12 October 2026: Jithin MS scored in the second minute of stoppage time to give NorthEast United FC a 1-0 win over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their first match of the 2026-27 MG Indian Super League on Monday.
Jithin came on at the start of the second half and settled a tight contest with the last meaningful kick of the game, securing three points for the Highlanders in front of their home crowd.
Woodwork denies Bagan early
Both sides started on the front foot. NorthEast United created a chance in the first minute, but Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was alert to it.
The visitors had their own opening in the ninth minute from a set-piece, but Lee Erwin’s effort hit the woodwork and the score stayed level.
Changes at the break
NorthEast United brought on Jithin for Asheer Akhtar at half-time, while Mohun Bagan replaced Chhangte with Manvir Singh. Bagan kept pressing, but NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh made important saves to keep his side in the game.
Mohun Bagan made more attacking changes in the 59th minute, sending on Liston Colaco and Miguel Figueira for Sahal Samad and Lee Erwin. NorthEast responded with a double substitution of their own, bringing on Parthib Gogoi and Nikola for Macarton Nickson and Ethyan Gonzalez.
NorthEast grow into the game
The hosts found more attacking rhythm as the half went on. In the 71st minute a cross was aimed at Jithin, but Bagan defender Mehtab Singh got in the way. Alaeddine Ajaraie then found the net with a long-range strike, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Nikola fired wide in the 83rd minute as NorthEast pushed for a winner. At the other end, Bagan came close in the 87th minute when substitute Suhail Bhat met a cross from Colaco, but his effort also struck the woodwork.
The winner
Five minutes of stoppage time were added. NorthEast mounted one final attack, and Kaith saved the first effort. The rebound came back off the post and fell to Jithin, who reacted quickest and slotted home to send the Guwahati crowd into celebration.
NorthEast held on for the remaining moments to open their home campaign with a win over one of the league’s best-known clubs.
Key moments
- 9’ – Lee Erwin (Mohun Bagan) hits the woodwork from a set-piece
- 46’ – Jithin MS on for Asheer Akhtar (NorthEast United)
- Second half – Alaeddine Ajaraie goal ruled out for offside
- 87’ – Suhail Bhat (Mohun Bagan) hits the woodwork
- 90+2’ – Jithin MS scores the winner for NorthEast United
Where it leaves the sides
NorthEast United start their season with three points at home. Mohun Bagan, who hit the woodwork twice, will feel they had chances to take something from the trip to Guwahati.
The 2026-27 ISL has 13 clubs and runs on a club-led commercial model, with the clubs holding the commercial rights and control over key administrative and operational matters.
