The ISL 2024-25 was filled with action and surprises. Let us take a look at what went down in the first matchday.
The Indian Super League season kicked off on this Friday. This season welcomed the newly promoted Mohammedan SC, who sealed the spot after winning I League 2023-24. For the first time, all three Kolkata footballing giants will take part in the Indian Super League. The first matchday featured matches of every team other than Hyderabad FC.
Match 1: Mohunbagan Supergiants 2:2 Mumbai City FC
The ISL season kicked off with the ISL Shield winners of 2023-24 up against ISL Cup winners of 2023-24. The match saw an early advantage to the hosts as Mumbai City defender Tiri put the ball in his net, making the first goal of the season to be an own goal. Mohunbagan doubled their lead within a few minutes courtesy of Alberto Rodriguez. Rodriguez is a new addition to the Mariners who joined the Kolkata side from PERSIB Bengdun.
But the Islanders soon made their way into the game after a redemption goal by Tiri. Right at the verge of the 90th minute, Mumbai City drew level with the home side after a goal by Thaer Krouma, silencing the home crowd. The match ended in a draw after 90 minutes.
Match 2: Odisha FC 2:3 Chennaiyan FC
The second ISL 2024-25 match witnessed an upset as the Marina Machans defeated the hosts. The game started on a good note for Lobera’s men as Odisha FC scored from a spot kick to put the hosts in the lead.
But woes began for Odisha FC in the second half as Farukh Choudhury scored 2 goals in 3 minutes to turn the scoreline back in Chennaiyan FC’s favor. CFC’s new signing Daniel Chima Chukwu scored the 3rd goal for the visiting team. Roy Krishna scored a consolation goal for the hosts in the added time in the second half.
Match 3: Bengaluru FC 1:0 East Bengal FC
Controversies regarding refereeing emerged in Kanteerava Stadium where Bengaluru FC edged past East Bengal FC. The only goal was scored by their homegrown player Vinith Venkatesh whose clinical finish was impossible for Prabhsukhan Gill to save.
The match witnessed a lot of controversial decisions by the referee Crystal John. One of the major issues was regarding the suspension of EBFC defender Lalchungnunga. East Bengal FC coach Carles Cuadrat told the media “It was not a fair way to punish the actions between one team and the other.”
Match 4: Kerala Blasters FC 1:2 Punjab FC
The 4th match of ISL 2024-25 witnessed the most dramatic surprise, as Punjab FC defeated Manjappada at the very last kick of the game. At the mark of the 86th minute, Punjab FC took a lead in the game after a composed penalty taken by their Slovenian striker Luka Majcen. The hosts leveled the scoreline after 90+2 minutes after a goal by Jesus Jiminez.
But Filip Mrzljak scored a goal in 90+5 minutes to give a lead to Punjab FC. The Croatian midfielder joined Punjab FC this season from HNK Gorica. Punjab FC thereby kicked off their season with 3 points, defeating Kerala Blasters in their home stadium.
Match 5: Mohammedan SC 0:1 Northeast United FC
The 5th match of ISL 2024-25 saw the debut of one of the three Kolkata giants of football up against the Durand Cup champions of 2024-25. The Black Panthers were defeated by the Highlanders courtesy of a goal by Alaeddin Ajaraie at the mark of 90+4 minutes.
NEUFC coach Juan Pedro Benali said “Happy with the 3 points but not with the performance. In the first half, we were just going around kicking the ball and not much but we did comparatively better in the 2nd half. This is just the start of the league, goals will come in slowly.”
On the other hand, Mohammedan coach Andrey Chernyshov said, “People were worried because we’re from the I League and there’s a big difference with ISL. Despite this, we played well with positive moments. We missed chances to score but I’m pleased with our confidence and performance.”
Match 6: FC Goa 1:2 Jamshedpur FC
The last match of the first matchday witnessed another last-minute drama as FC Goa had to suffer a home defeat. The hosts had a lead in the injury time of the first half courtesy of a goal by Armenian striker Armando Sadiku. The Gaurs signed him from Mohunbagan SG this season.
But the visiting team came up with a response at the mark of the 74th minute as Javier Siverio’s calm penalty was enough to level the scoreline. But in the dying minutes of the game, JFC’s new addition Jordan Murray put the visiting team forward thus making them the match-winner.
ISL Matchday 2 Fixtures
19th September: Bengaluru FC vs Hyderabad FC (kick-off at 7:30 PM IST)
20th September: Punjab FC vs Odisha FC (kick-off at 7:30 PM IST)
21st September: Jamshedpur FC vs Mumbai City FC (kick-off at 5 PM IST)
21st September: Mohammedan SC vs FC Goa (kick-off at 7:30 PM IST)
22nd September: Kerala Blasters FC vs East Bengal FC (kick-off at 7:30 PM IST)
23rd September: Mohunbagan SG vs Northeast United FC (kick-off at 7:30 PM IST)
