ISL 2024-25: Mohun Bagan Let Slip Two-Goal Lead as Mumbai City Fight Back Through Thaer Krouma and Tiri

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The 2024-25 Indian Super League season opener between Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

Thaer Krouma (90') and Tiri (70') scored the decisive goals in the second half for Mumbai City FC after the latter own goal (9') gave Mohun Bagan an early lead. It looked like MBSG's night when Alberto Rodrigues scored the hosts' second goal in the 29th minute.

The home side will feel they let two points slip after being in control for most of the match, especially with a two-goal lead at halftime. Mohun Bagan started strong, breaking the deadlock early with a stroke of luck in the 9th minute when Mumbai City's defender Tiri turned the ball into his own net following a dangerous run from Liston Colaco. The Mariners doubled their lead in the 29th minute through Alberto Rodriguez, who headed in a Greg Stewart cross from a corner, giving the hosts a comfortable 2-0 advantage.

Despite dominating possession for large stretches of the first half, Mumbai City struggled to convert their chances. Nikolaos Karelis missed a golden opportunity to get his side back into the game, heading wide from a perfect cross by Bipin Singh. The Islanders had 59% possession but couldn't find a way past a resilient Mohun Bagan defense led by Rodriguez.

The second half saw a change in momentum as Mumbai City FC pushed hard to stage a comeback. Tiri made amends for his earlier mistake by pulling a goal back in the 70th minute, volleying in a cross from Noufal. The introduction of key substitutes, including Thaer Krouma, added more attacking flair to Mumbai's game as they increased pressure on the home defense.

With the match heading into stoppage time, Krouma stepped up to rescue a point for the defending champions. The Syrian midfielder initiated a brilliant move in the 90th minute, sending a pin-point diagonal pass to Noufal, who cut the ball back for Krouma to slot home, leveling the match at 2-2.

Despite late appeals from Mohun Bagan for a penalty following a handball by Mehtab Singh, the referee waved away their protests, leaving the Kolkata side frustrated as they failed to capitalize on their early lead. The thrilling encounter, played in rain-soaked conditions, provided a pulsating start to the ISL season, with both teams showing their strengths and vulnerabilities.