Mumbai City FC began their Indian Super League 2025-26 campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Chennaiyin FC at the Mumbai Football Arena.
The decisive moment came in the 48th minute when a Joni Kauko cross deflected off Pritam Kotal for an own goal, wrong-footing goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz. Both sides struggled to create clear chances in a tightly contested midfield battle.
Chennaiyin relied on crosses, but Mumbai’s defence held firm. Akash Mishra was named Player of the Match as the Islanders secured all three points at home.