Mumbay FC stuns IoT FC in a Stoppage-Time Thriller, blows the MPL Title race wide open

by Chittu Shetty April 6, 2025

Mumbay FC scripted a dramatic evening in the Mumbai Premier League Championship Playoff Round, clinching a stoppage-time 2-1 victory over IoT FC.

The win not only shattered IoT’s 1000+ day unbeaten streak (1083 days to be precise) but also ignited a thrilling climax to the title race with the league heading into its final week.

The match started at a measured pace, with both teams feeling each other out. It was Mumbay FC who struck first in the 36th minute. Altamash Sayed delivered a precise long ball, and Arun Nagial rose above his marker to guide a header past the outstretched goalkeeper, giving Mumbay a 1-0 lead at halftime.

IoT FC came out with renewed energy, pressing hard for the equalizer. Their persistence paid off when Hafiz Pathan lofted a dangerous ball into the box, causing a moment of chaos before Arfat slotted home to level the score at 1-1. The IoT bench erupted as momentum shifted.

As the game entered its final phase, tensions soared, tackles flew in, and tempers flared. Just when it seemed destined for a draw, the match witnessed a moment of sheer drama in the 94th minute.

A freekick near the corner flag presented Mumbay FC with one last opportunity. Altamash Sayed once again stepped up, floating a perfectly weighted ball into the six-yard box. Lalith’s header was parried by Prathmesh, but the ball remained in play, triggering a frantic goalmouth scramble inside the 6-Yard box. Bijin reacted quickest, poking the ball over the line, sending Mumbay’s players, bench, coaching staff and fans into delirium.

Title Race Takes a Wild Turn

With this victory, Mumbay FC leapfrogs into second place with 14 points, level with MYJ-GM but holding the head-to-head advantage. The title race is now wide open, with four teams still in contention:

• IoT FC, Mumbay FC, Hope United, and defending champions MYJ-GM remain in the hunt for the championship.
• MH Oranje and Mumbai City FC are battling for a podium finish.
• IoT FC, Mumbay, and MH Oranje have one game left, while MYJ-GM, Hope, and Mumbai City FC have two games in hand.

Key Matches to Watch

• Mumbai City FC vs MYJ-GM (April 7th) – A victory for MYJ-GM would propel them to the top of the table with a game in hand, a stunning turnaround from their shaky start in the playoff round.
• Mumbay FC vs Kenkre FC (April 10th) – Mumbay must win this to reach 17 points, keeping their title hopes alive while waiting on other results.
• MH Oranje FC vs Hope United (April 12th) – The penultimate match of the season, with both teams fighting to keep their dreams alive.
• MYJ-GM vs IoT FC (April 14th) – The season finale, potentially deciding the 2024-25 MPL Champions.

With the title race now going down to the wire, the final week games will shape the destiny of the Mumbai Premier League 2024-25. Stay Tuned to Football Counter for exclusive coverage.

Photo Credit – Mumbay FC media

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