ISL debut: Northeast United secures three points with injury‑time strike

The 2026/27 Indian Super League kicked off with Northeast United traveling to Guwahati to face Mohan Bagan Super Giant. After a tightly contested 90 minutes, the match was decided in the added minutes when Jithin MS, introduced as a substitute, netted the only goal of the game.

Both teams displayed attacking intent from the start. Northeast United earned a chance within the first minute, only to be thwarted by a vigilant Vishal Keth in goal. Mohan Bagan answered back in the ninth minute when Lee Irwin's shot rattled the post.

The second half featured multiple substitutions: Northeast United brought on Jithin MS for Ashir Akhtar, while Mohan Bagan switched in Manveer Singh for Chhangte. The match saw several near‑misses, including a long‑range effort from Alaa‑Eddine Ajrai ruled out for off‑side.

In the final five minutes of injury time, Vishal Keth saved an early attempt, but the ball fell to Jithin MS, who calmly finished from close range. The win gave Northeast United a perfect start to the league, earning three valuable points.

The victory was celebrated by the traveling supporters and highlighted the impact of tactical substitutions in modern football.