Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC in the MG Indian Super League 2026-27 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata, with Manvir Singh scoring the decisive goal in the 85th minute.
The closely fought encounter saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but outstanding performances from goalkeepers Mohammad Nawaz and Vishal Kaith kept the score level for most of the match.
Chennaiyin came close to taking the lead when Nikola Stojanović struck the crossbar in the second half. However, Mohun Bagan found the breakthrough in the closing stages through a well-timed move involving substitute Liston Colaço and Manvir. The Mariners then defended their advantage to collect all three points on home soil.
Chennaiyin FC Start on the Front Foot
Chennaiyin began the match with an attacking approach and looked to put pressure on the Mohun Bagan defence early. Stojanović tried his luck from distance but sent his effort over the crossbar.
Brison Fernandes and Irfan Yadwad also came close to scoring for the visitors. Fernandes fired narrowly wide from inside the penalty area, while Yadwad failed to direct his header on target after receiving a cross from Stojanović.
Mohun Bagan gradually settled into the contest and created opportunities of their own. Samir Zeljković tested Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz, who made a save to deny him. Alberto Rodríguez also had a chance to score from close range following a corner but could not convert the opportunity.
At the other end, Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith remained busy as he denied efforts from Yadwad and Madih Talal. Nawaz also made important saves to keep out attempts from Lee Erwin and Dejan Dražić.
Despite the chances at both ends, neither side managed to find the net before half-time, with the teams heading into the break level at 0-0.
Both Teams Make Changes After the Break
Mohun Bagan made their first substitution at half-time, bringing on Sahal Abdul Samad in place of Lallianzuala Chhangte. Anirudh Thapa was introduced for Zeljković early in the second half as the hosts looked to gain greater control in midfield.
Chennaiyin continued to threaten, but Kaith stood firm in goal. He made another save to deny Yadwad and later stopped an attempt from Ramon. Namgyal Bhutia and Fernandes also came close, although neither managed to find the target.
Chennaiyin made their first change by bringing on Bryce Miranda for Fernandes. Mohun Bagan subsequently introduced Subhasish Bose in place of Rahul Bheke.
The visitors continued to search for an opening, with further substitutions bringing Lalhriatpuia Chawngthu and S Prakadeswaran onto the pitch for Ayush Chhetri and Yadwad, respectively.
Stojanović Hits the Crossbar as Chennaiyin Push for a Goal
As the match progressed, both sides continued to look for a breakthrough. Nawaz produced important saves to deny Erwin and Manvir, preventing Mohun Bagan from taking the lead.
Chennaiyin, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counterattack. Their best opportunity came when Prakadeswaran set up Stojanović, whose left-footed strike crashed against the crossbar. The chance came agonisingly close to giving the visitors the lead.
Kaith then made another crucial save to deny Stojanović as Chennaiyin increased the pressure. The goalkeeper's performance proved vital in keeping Mohun Bagan in the contest during a period when the visitors appeared capable of scoring.
Liston Colaço Sets Up Manvir Singh’s Winner
With the game still goalless in the closing stages, Mohun Bagan made two more substitutions, bringing on Liston Colaço and Abhishek Suryavanshi for Deepak Tangri and Dražić.
The changes quickly produced the decisive moment. In the 85th minute, Colaço delivered a cross into the penalty area, where Manvir Singh finished from close range with his chest to put Mohun Bagan 1-0 ahead.
The late goal rewarded the Mariners for continuing to push for a winner despite Chennaiyin's resistance and the visitors' earlier chances.
Chennaiyin had little time left to find an equaliser, while Mohun Bagan focused on protecting their narrow advantage. The hosts held firm until the final whistle to secure a hard-fought victory.
Manvir's late finish proved decisive in a contest shaped by strong goalkeeping, missed opportunities and Stojanović's strike against the crossbar. Kaith's saves helped keep Chennaiyin at bay, while Colaço's contribution off the bench created the opening that allowed Mohun Bagan to claim all three points.