The match began at a high tempo, with both teams creating opportunities and matching each other in intensity. It was CFCI who drew first blood when Dhruv capitalised early, finding the back of the net in the 8th minute to hand his side the advantage.

MSP responded with purpose, pushing forward and testing the CFCI defence. Their efforts paid off in first-half stoppage time when Akshay struck in the 45+3 minute to level the score, ensuring the teams went into the break all square.

The second half remained evenly poised, with end-to-end action keeping the contest alive. In the 78th minute, Akshay stepped up once again, showing composure in front of goal to put MSP ahead for the first time in the match.

Just when MSP looked set to close out the game comfortably, CFCI were awarded a penalty, offering them a golden chance to equalise. However, the MSP goalkeeper produced a crucial save to deny them from the spot and preserve the lead.

That save proved to be a turning point, as MSP held firm in the closing stages. Akshay’s decisive brace ultimately sealed a hard-fought win for Mumbai Soccer Prodigies, who showed character and resilience to return to winning ways.

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Kalina Rangers struck first, wasting no time in taking the lead. Just three minutes into the match, they earned a penalty, and Clinton Dsouza converted it calmly to make it 1-0. But their advantage was short-lived. Within five minutes, RFYC responded through Lalmuanpuia, who found the equaliser with a composed finish.

That goal swung the momentum firmly toward RFYC. Their young attackers pressed relentlessly, forcing Kalina’s defence into difficult situations. In the 23rd minute, Lalmuanpuia struck again to put RFYC ahead, and almost immediately after, he completed a quick hat-trick, turning the match on its head. By halftime, RFYC held a commanding 3-1 lead, while Kalina were left searching for answers.

The second half began with Kalina Rangers pushing forward aggressively in hopes of a comeback. They created pressure higher up the pitch, but RFYC stayed compact, defended smartly and waited for their opportunities to break forward.

Their patience paid off in the 80th minute when Ayush added a fourth goal, extending RFYC’s control of the match. Eight minutes later, Viraj slotted in another to make it 5-1, sealing a dominant opening-day victory.

For RFYC, it was a near-perfect performance – energetic, clinical and full of confidence. For Kalina Rangers, the result serves as a tough setback in their first outing, but the early moments of the match showed they have the potential to regroup and respond in the games to come.

Both sides now look ahead to their next fixtures, with RFYC carrying strong momentum and Kalina aiming to bounce back.

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Also Read: Millat FC Start Their MPL Season

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Both teams started the first half with composure, moving the ball well and trying to create openings. But it was Mumbay FC who looked more threatening, thanks to the quick feet and direct running of their No. 16, Rahul K, who repeatedly troubled the Ultras’ defence. Their pressure paid off early. In the 16th minute, a corner into the box caused just enough chaos for Shreyas to flick the ball in with the slightest touch, giving Mumbay FC a well-deserved 1–0 lead.

Mumbai Ultras responded positively. They created good chances of their own and forced several strong saves from Mumbay FC goalkeeper Pratik, who played a key role in preserving the lead heading into halftime. Despite the scoreline, the Ultras showed encouraging attacking intent.

The second half began with Mumbai Ultras stepping up their urgency. They pushed forward more aggressively, hoping to find an equaliser. However, Mumbay FC’s backline, anchored by Bipin Rawat, held firm and absorbed the pressure well.

As the match progressed, Mumbay FC regained control. Their patience paid off when Mandeep doubled the lead, finishing confidently to make it 2–0. Mumbai Ultras continued to fight, finding themselves in promising positions, but they struggled to convert their chances.

The final decisive moment came in the 68th minute, when Rahul K – who had been a constant attacking threat throughout the match – found the net to make it 3–0. His performance capped an impressive outing, as he contributed with pace, creativity, and a well-taken goal.

In the end, Mumbay FC sealed a comfortable victory, starting their MPL campaign in strong fashion. Mumbai Ultras, though defeated, showed positive signs in attack and will look to build on these moments as they settle into the Premier League level.

Both teams leave the match with different takeaways: Mumbay FC gain early confidence and momentum, while Mumbai Ultras gain valuable experience that can guide their approach in the matches ahead.

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IOT began the match with control, dominating possession, moving the ball confidently, and maintaining sharp passing accuracy. Despite IOT’s control, Waves FC created the more dangerous chances early on. Their best opportunity came when Sunny Koli found himself in a one-on-one situation, only to hit his shot straight at IOT goalkeeper Yasheel Shah, who reacted well to make the save.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 21st minute for IOT. New signing Hersh Rall pounced on a rebound after Waves goalkeeper Abhishek made an initial save, calmly finishing to give the champions a 1–0 lead heading into halftime.

The second half saw a strong response from Waves FC. They pressed aggressively, created early pressure, and tested IOT’s defence with a series of quick attacks. But in the 60th minute, IOT doubled their lead through Omkar Talkar, who finished confidently to make it 2–0.

Waves FC continued to fight until the very end and were rewarded in 90+5 minutes, when Rohan headed home to bring the score to 2–1. Despite the late goal, time ran out for the newcomers, who showed tremendous heart and promise in their Mumbai Premier League debut.

In the end, the defending champions held on for a deserved victory, but Waves FC left the field with plenty of positives and confidence for the season ahead. The opening match delivered energy and drama, a perfect start to the new MPL campaign.

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Also Read: The Coaches Who Could Change the Game: MPL 2025-26 Season Preview

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A powerful wave of highly qualified, internationally experienced, and proven managerial has descended upon the MPL this season, signaling a massive leap in the league’s tactical maturity and overall quality. This year, success won’t just depend on player talent, it might be decided by the masterminds dictating the strategy.

The most compelling narrative of the upcoming season is the arrival of four tacticians bringing top-tier expertise into the heart of Mumbai football.

The Indian International: Adil Khan (Hope United FC)

Hope United has secured a significant coup by appointing Adil Khan as their new Head Coach. As a former India International player and an AFC A License holder, Khan brings vast experience from playing at the highest level of Indian football. His transition from an elite player to a head coach will be closely watched, as he attempts to translate his top-level understanding of the game into immediate results for Hope United. Last season Adil Khan was assistant coach of Geno Football Club in the Goa Professional League who finished 3rd in the GPL 2024-25. it will be interesting to see him leading the sidelines this time.

The European Structurist: Steve Herbots (Mumbay FC)

Mumbay FC, who impressively finished 4th in their debut season, has enforced their ambitions with the hiring of Steve Herbots. Holding a Belgian FA A License as well as a UEFA B License, Herbots brings a strong professional structure to the club. He is far from a stranger to Indian conditions, having managed West Bengal’s United SC in the I-League 2 since 2021. Herbots is tasked with building on Mumbay FC’s initial success and cementing their place as consistent title contenders.

The National Pedigree: Floyd Pinto (Iron Born)

Following the departure of their previous coach, Iron Born has brought in the managerial acumen of Floyd Pinto. As an AFC A Licensed coach, Pinto carries an impressive managerial career built at the national level. His roles have included Assistant Coach for India U17 during the 2017 World Cup campaign, and subsequent Head Coach positions for the India U19 and Indian Arrows teams from 2017 to 2019. More recently, he has served as an assistant at ISL clubs like RoundGlass Punjab, NorthEast United, and Odisha FC. Pinto’s wealth of experience in youth development and professional league settings makes him a highly impactful appointment.

The Pro License : Shameel Chembakath (Reliance Foundation Young Champs)

The arrival of Shameel Chembakath at Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) marks a new era for the renowned academy team. Shameel holds the prestigious AFC Pro License, the highest coaching qualification in Asia, and was recently the head coach of Hyderabad FC, along with previous experience at Kerala Blasters FC. His mandate is to fuse elite tactical knowledge with RFYC’s pipeline of talent, potentially setting a new and formidable standard for youth football in the MPL.

While the debutants command attention, the established coaches who have delivered success continue their campaigns with stability and renewed purpose:

Yash Shah, the coach who orchestrated India On Track (IOT FC)’s consecutive promotions and ultimate victory in the top-tier, returns to lead the defending champions. Shah will look to maintain IOT FC’s dominance by blending proven experience with a core of young talent. Another one to add is Vijith Shetty who led MYJ Mumbai to two successive finals in the MPL and also to the I-League 2.

Similarly, Clinton D’souza and his coaching staff provide continuity for MH Oranje FC, a powerful weapon in a league facing a massive injection of their existing philosophy.

Finally, attention must be paid to the coaches of the newly promoted sides. Ashutosh Rathod leads Champions Mumbai Soccer Prodigies, and Santosh Koli, an experienced player and AFC A-licensed coach, aims to shower the name of Madh-Island on top of Mumbai football with Waves FC. The Mumbai Ultras, under the experienced Head Coach Albinus Chettiar, have proactively prepared with a dedicated pre-season camp in Pune,their commitment to competing effectively against the new league conditions.

The influx of such high-level coaching talent—from the star power of Adil Khan to the tactical depth of Floyd Pinto and the Pro License prestige of Shameel Chembakath, confirms that the Mumbai Premier League is aggressively leveling up this season.

This season promises a high-stakes tactical war fought on every match day. The coaches are ready, the teams are set, and the fate of the 2025-26 MPL trophy will ultimately rest on the strategies conceived by the men on the sidelines.

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The season will open with a heavyweight clash as defending champions India On Track (IOT) face newly promoted Waves FC. The fixture brings together two contrasting stories — a dominant title-winning side starting its defense, and a rising club making its first appearance in the top tier. Waves FC earned promotion with an impressive run last season and will now test themselves against the strongest opposition possible in their very first match. IOT, meanwhile, will look to begin their campaign with authority and set the tone for another title challenge.

The opening round also features competitive fixtures across both groups, with established clubs, academy-driven teams, and ambitious challengers all set to begin their journey. Here are the first eight fixtures released by the MFA:

Mumbai Premier League 2025–26 – Fixtures (Match 1 to 8)

1st December 2025 | 3:00 PM
India On Track vs Waves FC
Group A – Match 1

2nd December 2025 | 3:00 PM
MH Oranje FC vs DK Flag Foundation
Group A – Match 2

3rd December 2025 | 3:00 PM
Hope United FC vs Bombay Gymkhana FC
Group A – Match 3

4th December 2025 | 3:00 PM
Mumbai FC vs Mumbai Ultras FC
Group B – Match 4

5th December 2025 | 3:00 PM
MYJ-GMSC vs Mumbai Soccer Prodigies
Group B – Match 5

8th December 2025 | 3:00 PM
ICL Mumbai FC vs PIFA Sports Colaba FC
Group B – Match 6

9th December 2025 | 3:00 PM
Millat FC vs Iron Born FC
Group B – Match 7

10th December 2025 | 3:00 PM
Reliance Foundation Young Champs vs Kalina Rangers-CFF
Group A – Match 8

With the league featuring a mix of experienced sides, strong youth programs, and new entrants, the upcoming season is expected to deliver competitive fixtures from the very start. As the teams prepare for kickoff, the Mumbai football community can look forward to another exciting chapter in the city’s premier competition.

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Defending champions India On Track (IOT FC) will look to continue from where they left off last season. After a solid campaign, they’ll aim to start strong again and defend their title with the same consistency and focus.

Last season’s runners-up MYJ Mumbai will be hoping to go one step further this year. They came close to lifting the trophy last time and will aim to challenge for the top spot again with a balanced and experienced squad.

Hope United FC are another team to keep an eye on this season. The club has appointed Adil Khan, one of the well-known names in Indian football, as their new coach. It will be interesting to see how he shapes a young and talented team in his first season in charge at the MPL.

Newly promoted Waves FC will also be making their debut in the Elite Division this year. After earning consecutive promotions from the Third Division, the team will look to keep their progress going and make a strong impression in their first season at the top level.

Along with these sides, several other strong teams will compete this year — including Mumbai City FC, Kenkre FC, MH Oranje FC, Millat FC, Reliance Foundation Young Champs, Iron Born FC, PIFA Sports (Colaba) FC, Bombay Gymkhana, Sellebrity FC, MSP, ICL Mumbai, CFCI, D.K. Flag Foundation, Kalina Rangers CFF, Mumbai Ultras, and Mumbay FC. Each of these teams has the ability to perform well on their day, and in a league as competitive as the MPL, anyone can emerge as a surprise package. No team can be written off, and every match will count.

With several strong sides and a few promising newcomers, the MPL 2025-26 season should offer plenty of good football and close matches throughout the campaign.

Teams Participating in MPL 2025-26:

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Group A has already been dubbed the “Group of Death,” featuring defending champions IOT, who will be eager to retain their crown amidst a tough pool of challengers. Joining them are Hope United FC, MH Oranje FC, Mumbai City FC, Kalina Rangers CFF, and the ever-promising Reliance Foundation Young Champs.

Also in the mix are MUM D.K. Flag Foundation, Bombay Gymkhana, Sellebrity FC, and Waves FC — a club that has been on an incredible rise through the divisions.

Waves have achieved back-to-back promotions over the past few seasons, climbing from the Third Division to the Elite Division, and will once again be eyeing the same prize this year. Their journey and momentum make them one of the teams to watch in Group A, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already stacked lineup.

Group B, on the other hand, presents a balanced yet equally competitive field led by last season’s finalists MYJ-GMSC, who will be determined to go one better this time.

The group also features some of Mumbai’s most consistent and formidable sides such as Mumbai FC, ICL Mumbai, Kenkre FC, CFCI, and Millat FC. Rounding off the group are Iron Born FC, PIFA Sports (Colaba) FC, MSP, and Mumbai Ultras FC, all capable of producing upsets and shaking up the table.

With defending champions IOT and finalists MYJ-GMSC placed in separate groups, fans can expect high-quality football and potential blockbuster clashes as the tournament progresses.

The Mumbai Premier League 2025–26 is tentatively set to kick off on November 5, 2025, with the current groupings also tentative. As the city gears up for another footballing spectacle, one thing is certain — this season is primed to deliver thrilling encounters, new stories of resilience, and another unforgettable chapter in Mumbai football.

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