SC Delhi produced an extraordinary second-half fightback, scoring three goals in the final 20 minutes to defeat Mumbai City FC 3-2 in an Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 clash at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday.
The hosts established a commanding 2-0 lead before half-time through early goals from Muhammad Ajsal (6′) and Zothanpuia (27′). Mumbai City took the lead when Ajsal played a smooth one-two with Noufal and capitalised on a defensive mistake by Lamgoulen Hangshing to score their first open-play goal of the season. The Islanders doubled their lead when Noufal sprinted down the left wing and delivered a low cross for Zothanpuia to finish past the keeper. SC Delhi nearly pulled one back before the break, but Mohammad Azhar’s curling effort rattled the crossbar.
SC Delhi reorganised at halftime, introducing Richard Ndayishimaye and Ashutosh Mehta. Jain had another opportunity in the 58th minute when a loose ball from Noufal fell to him inside the box, but Clarence Fernandes intervened with a sliding challenge to deny him a shot. The winger was replaced by Farukh Choudhary soon after.
In the 60th minute, TP Rehenesh got his fingertips to a long-range effort from Juan Pena. The contest grew increasingly physical, with skirmishes breaking out across the pitch
Late drama sees Akshat Mehra and Juan Pena seal comeback victory
In the 73rd minute, Mumbai City goalkeeper TP Rehenesh failed to collect a corner cleanly, allowing Mehta to set up Fortes for a simple tap-in to cut the lead to 2-1.
The visitors continued to push and brought on substitute Akshat Mehra in the 88th minute. The decision paid off immediately as Mehra collected a crisp pass from Ndayishimaye in the 92nd minute and unleashed a curling strike that Rehenesh could only palm into his own net, bringing the score to 2-2.
The dramatic turnaround was completed in the 94th minute. Defender Juan Pena picked up the ball, drove forward, and dribbled past two Mumbai City defenders before slotting home a stunning solo winner to seal all three points for SC Delhi.
After this result, Mumbai City FC are 11th in the table, while SC Delhi move up to eighth.
(With inputs from agencies)
