Mumbai City FC booked their place in the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 semi-finals with a tense 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters FC at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
It was heartbreak for Kerala Blasters, as an 88th-minute own goal by Freddy Lallawmawma and a red card to Sandeep Singh Soraisham ended their campaign. Both sides finished Group D with six points each, but Mumbai advanced on head-to-head record.
Tense Start as Stakes Run High
The match began under immense pressure. Kerala Blasters needed only a draw to qualify, while Mumbai City had to win. The Islanders started with intensity, pressing high and forcing early turnovers.
Vikram Partap Singh and Jorge Pereyra Díaz looked threatening in attack, while Jorge Ortiz controlled the tempo from midfield. However, Kerala’s defense stayed compact and resisted the early waves of pressure.
Gradually, Adrián Luna began dictating play for the Blasters. In the first half, he set up Tiago Alves, whose curling strike went just wide. Soon after, Koldo Obieta tested Phurba Lachenpa with a sharp effort from the left.
Mumbai nearly took the lead in the 24th minute when Ortiz unleashed a long-range strike that goalkeeper Nora Fernandes tipped onto the crossbar.
Red Card Turns the Game
The key moment arrived just before halftime. Sandeep Singh Soraisham, already on a yellow card, pulled back Vikram Partap Singh to stop a counterattack. The referee issued a second yellow, reducing Kerala to 10 men and putting them under pressure for the rest of the game.
Despite the advantage, Petr Kratky’s Mumbai side struggled to convert their dominance into goals. Kerala’s defense, led by Muhammed Saheef and Marko Leskovic, held firm. Fernandes managed aerial deliveries and set-pieces calmly, while Mumbai’s attack grew increasingly frustrated.
Late Own Goal Seals the Win
In the 88th minute, the deadlock finally broke. Jorge Pereyra Díaz sent a low cross into the Kerala box. Miscommunication between Saheef and Lallawmawma caused the ball to deflect past Nora Fernandes and roll into the net. The goal was ruled an own goal by Freddy Lallawmawma, giving Mumbai the decisive lead.
Kerala, down to 10 men, tried to respond in the final minutes but failed to create clear chances. The final whistle confirmed Mumbai City FC’s progression to the semi-finals, while Kerala Blasters’ campaign ended in disappointment.
Next Challenge Awaits
Mumbai City FC will face FC Goa in the semi-finals. The semi-finals and final of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 will be played in Goa on December 4 and December 7, respectively.