Mumbai City FC's thrilling 2-2 comeback against Mohun Bagan saw Tiri go from scoring an own goal to winning Man of the Match in a dramatic ISL opener.
The 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season has commenced on an exciting note with Mumbai City FC staging an incredible fight back to hold Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) to a 2-2 draw. This match had all features of a thriller; an own goal, extensive attacking plays and an outstanding display of footballing talents by Tiri who started as the villain but ended up being hailed as the hero.
For Tiri, this night could not have started off worse. It took only ten minutes into the game before he scored an own goal because of a defensive error that gave Mohun Bagan the lead. For supporters of Mumbai City, it was indeed an unfortunate situation in which their dependable defender presented the opposition with an early advantage.
However, Tiri’s night was not finished yet. Ultimately, he transformed into a different person by making significant contributions to his team’s second half performance that led to him receiving the Man of the Match award at full time instead. The transformation from committing a blunder to becoming one of the major players in Mumbai’s comeback is what fables are made up of.
First Half: Mohun Bagan's Dominance
Mohun Bagan Super Giants took charge right from the start of the game courtesy of their full-blown attacking brigade that comprised Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummings and Liston Colaco. They kept on putting pressure on Mumbai City’s backline with waves after waves of attacks. After the own goal by Tiri, Alberto Rodríguez in the 28th minute after collecting a corner double their lead.
Even though, there were attempts by Mumbai City FC to respond to those attacks but their final touch was lacking thus making it impossible for them to convert chances into goals. At half-time Mohun Bagan led 2-0 amid claims by many about how well they were controlling this match.
Second Half: Mumbai City FC’s Fightback
As the teams entered the field for the second time around, Mumbai City FC appeared rejuvenated and motivated. Bipin Singh along with Lallianzuala Chhangte led an intimidating offense that forced several mistakes from Mohun Bagan’s defense.
In Minute seventy of play, determination had finally paid off for Mumbai FC. Surprisingly enough, Tiri turned up on the score sheet finding net on behalf of his club which led us to think him deadliest ever before being scored against (except getting beaten). His head-shot on a set piece goal reduced deficit into two-one indicating that Islanders were far from going home just yet.
With the momentum shifting in their favor, Mumbai City pressed harder for an equalizer, and in the dying moments of regulation time, they were rewarded. Defender Thaer Krouma unleashed a composed finish past Vishal Kaith from the left flank, making it 2-2 and sending Mumbai City’s fans into jubilation.
A Tale of Two Halves
This match can rightly be called a real match of the two halves. Mohun Bagan showed their strength at first and controlled possession while taking advantage of defensive mistakes on the part of Mumbai City’s players. However, during the second half, the Islanders rose with renewed energy displaying persistence and tenacity that has made them one of the best-performing teams lately.
The story of Tiri’s redemption will surely be etched in fans’ minds from both sides. From scoring an own goal in last season’s opening game to scoring an important goal and becoming Man of the Match, it shows how resilient he was and that he has character.
This ISL Season 11 Beginning with Bang
The first match for ISL 2024/25 season between Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giants set up what is going to be a very competitive league. Both sides had their strengths and weaknesses but from the fans’ perspectives—it was an entertaining encounter full of thrilling moments. With this kind of matches serving as a sneak peek into the future, expect nothing less than an eventful ISL season.
