Chhangte the Difference as Mumbai City Outlast Kerala Blasters

by Chandler D'silva February 22, 2026

Mumbai City FC continued their strong start to the ISL 2025–26 campaign with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Lallianzuala Chhangte’s early second-half strike proved decisive, helping the Islanders provisionally climb to third place with six points from two matches.

The opening exchanges were lively, with both sides creating early chances. Víctor Bertomeu tested Phurba Lachenpa at his near post after being set up by Korou Singh, while Chhangte responded at the other end with a dangerous effort of his own. Kerala’s Arsh Anwer Shaikh, making his first ISL appearance in over three years, also had to stay alert as Mumbai looked to assert control.

A major turning point came around the half-hour mark when Jorge Pereyra Díaz won a penalty after being brought down by Danish Farooq. The Argentine stepped up himself, but Arsh produced a crucial save, diving low to his right to deny the Islanders the lead and keep the contest level at the break.

The breakthrough arrived shortly after the restart. Brandon Fernandes’ acrobatic overhead attempt led to a long-range effort from B. Lalnuntluanga, which deflected and fell kindly for Chhangte inside the box. The winger remained composed and slotted home in the 48th minute to open his account for the season.

With the lead secured, Mumbai City managed the tempo smartly, slowing the game and forcing Kerala to push forward. The hosts introduced fresh legs in search of an equaliser, but struggled to break down a disciplined Islanders backline.

Kerala Blasters came closest in the final stages when substitute Muhammad Ajsal and Bertomeu both saw headers drift narrowly wide after slight deflections. Despite late pressure, Mumbai held firm to register back-to-back wins.

Chhangte’s decisive contribution earned him the Player of the Match award, capping off another composed display from the Islanders as they continued to build early momentum in the campaign.

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