Relegation-threatened Mohammedan Sporting Club face the biggest test of their Indian Super League 2025-26 campaign as they host title-chasing Mumbai City FC in a high-stakes clash at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Even a draw will not help Mohammedan SC stay up in the ISL. A win is the only result that can keep their fading survival hopes alive heading into the final stretch of the season.
The Black and White Brigade head into the contest after a difficult 3-1 defeat away to Kerala Blasters FC. Despite showing flashes of attacking intent under head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo, consistency has remained a major concern throughout their debut ISL campaign.
Mohammedan have endured a miserable season so far. They have the worst defensive and offensive record in the league after conceding 26 goals and scoring only seven in 11 matches. They are also still searching for their first win of the season.
A victory against Mumbai City FC would move them to six points and preserve a slim mathematical chance of survival ahead of their final fixture.
The hosts will rely heavily on Mahitosh Roy and Thokchom Adison Singh, both of whom have scored two goals this season, while Hira Mondal and Lalngaihsaka are expected to provide creativity in the final third. However, Mohammedan will miss suspended midfielder Amarjit Singh in this crucial encounter.
Mumbai City FC, meanwhile, arrive in Kolkata desperate to reignite their title challenge after suffering a disappointing 2-1 defeat to East Bengal FC in their previous outing. With 19 points from 11 games, they are stuck at seventh spot on the ISL points table. Petr Kratky's side are without a victory in their last four league matches and last tasted success on April 5 against Odisha FC.
Mumbai know that a win over struggling Mohammedan would take them to 22 points and lift them back to second place in the standings and back in reckoning for the ISL title with two games left.
Mumbai City will once again look towards the attacking influence of Lallianzuala Chhangte, who leads the side with four goals, alongside Noufal PN, Brandon Fernandes and Joni Kauko to break down the Mohammedan defence. Forward Jorge Ortiz also urged the squad to remain focused solely on their own performances rather than the league standings.
History firmly favours the Islanders heading into Friday's contest. Mumbai City FC have won all four previous meetings against Mohammedan Sporting across competitions and have kept clean sheets in three of those matches. Their most recent encounter ended in a dominant 3-0 victory for Mumbai earlier this season.
With survival on the line for Mohammedan and title ambitions at stake for Mumbai City FC, Friday's clash promises to carry enormous significance at both ends of the table.
Match venue and kick-off time
The match will be played at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The kick-off time is 7:30 p.m. Indian Standard Time.
Head to Head
Matches Played: 2
Mumbai City FC wins: 2
Possible Starting XI
- Mohammedan Sporting Club (4-4-2): Subhajit Bhattacharya (GK), Hira Mondal, Gaurav Bora, Pukhrambam Meitei, Sajad Parray, Amarjit Singh, Lalremsanga Fanai, Mahitosh Roy, Tangva Ragui, Makan Chothe, Fardin Ali Molla.
- Mumbai City FC (4-2-3-1): Phurba Lachempa (GK), Akash Mishra, Nuno Reis, Bijay Chhetri, Valpuia, Lalnuntluanga, Joni Kauko, Noufal, Brandon Fernandes, Vikram Pratap Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte.
How to Watch Live Telecast?
The match will be broadcasted on Sony Sports TEN 2 television channel.and streamed live on FanCode.
How To Watch Live Streaming?
Live streaming of the match can be watched on the FanCode app and website.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
