Margao, Goa, October 25, 2025 – In a rain-soaked encounter at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) began their AIFF Super Cup campaign with a professional and commanding 2-0 victory over an all-Indian Chennaiyin FC side. A first-half brace from Australian striker Jamie Maclaren proved to be the difference, handing Chennaiyin coach Clifford Miranda a forgettable homecoming in Goa.
Match Summary: Maclaren’s Clinical Edge Decides Contest
From the outset, the match was played under challenging conditions with heavy rain affecting the pitch. However, it was the Mariners who adapted better, controlling large spells of possession and creating the more clear-cut chances.
The deadlock was broken in the 38th minute. Liston Colaco, showcasing his tenacity, fought off a defender on the left flank and laid the ball off for an overlapping Jamie Maclaren. The Australian striker made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball past Chennaiyin goalkeeper Nawaz to give Bagan a deserved lead.
Any hopes of a Chennaiyin fightback were extinguished just after the hour mark. Against the run of play, a long ball from Subhasish Bose found Manvir Singh on the left. The winger delivered a perfect cross into the box, where the lurking Maclaren doubled his tally with a composed finish, sealing the three points for the ISL giants.
Key Moments & Turning Points
- 35′ – Kaith’s Crucial Save: Just minutes before Bagan’s opener, Chennaiyin had their best chance. A corner kick led to a goal-bound shot from Jiteshwor, but Vishal Kaith made a spectacular, point-blank save to keep the scores level.
- 67′ – The Killer Blow: Maclaren’s second goal, a classic counter-attacking move finished with precision, effectively ended the contest and demoralized the Chennaiyin resistance.
- 90+3′ – Woodwork Denies Chennaiyin: Klusner John Manuel Pereira came closest to a consolation goal for Chennaiyin, seeing his dipping, long-range curler cannon off the outside of the post.
Tactical Takeaways
- Bagan’s Patience Pays Off: Despite the difficult conditions, MBSG stuck to their game plan, using width and diagonal balls to stretch the Chennaiyin defence, with Colaco and Manvir proving particularly threatening.
- Chennaiyin’s Valiant Effort: The Marina Machans, fielding an all-Indian squad, put up a resilient defensive fight for large periods but lacked a cutting edge in the final third to truly test the Bagan backline beyond the early chance saved by Kaith.
- Midfield Battle: The game featured an intriguing subplot between former teammates, with Anirudh Thapa (MBSG) and Pritam Kotal (CFC) – a former Bagan captain – frequently locking horns in the middle of the park.
What This Result Means
With this win, Mohun Bagan SG jumps to the top of its group, setting itself up perfectly for progression to the knockout stages. Their next match against a spirited Dempo SC, who held East Bengal to a draw, will be crucial.
For Chennaiyin FC, the loss makes their path to the next round difficult. They will need a positive result in their upcoming fixture to keep their Super Cup hopes alive.
The victory underscores Mohun Bagan’s depth and quality, even in a domestic cup competition, as they efficiently dispatched a determined opponent.
