Mumbai City FC vs Chennaiyin FC Indian Player Ratings: Akash Mishra impresses; Pritam & Mandar disappoint in ISL 2025-26 match
Mumbai City FC clinch three points in ISL 2025-26 after a hard-fought battle against Chennaiyin FC.
Mumbai City FC walked away with all three points after a hard-fought battle against a resilient Chennaiyin FC, with the decisive moment coming courtesy of an unfortunate own goal from Pritam Kotal.
In a contest where both sides looked evenly matched and equally deserving of a share of the spoils, it was Mumbai who capitalised on key moments and showed sharper execution to tilt the game in their favour.
The game saw solid displays from Indian footballers who matched intensity with quality, underlining their importance in shaping the outcome of such closely fought encounters.
Chennaiyin FC Player Ratings (by Aasif)
Mohammad Nawaz – 6/10
The goalkeeper made an important save in the first half and there was nothing he could do about Pritam Kotal’s own goal. Nawaz had a total of three saves in the game.
Laldinliana Renthlei – 5/10
After a silent first 45 minutes, the right-back came more into the game in the second half but was far from his best.
Pritam Kotal – 6/10
He made an important block in the second half but was soon caught in a bad position and headed in an own goal in the 48th minute.
Pritam had a chance to make amends in the 75th minute but skied his effort over the bar. Aside from his own goal, he had a respectable game.
Mandar Rao Desai – 5/10
Mandar was off pace in the first few minutes and slowly got into the game. He had a half chance late in the second half, but his header was off the target.
Lalrinliana Hnamte – 6.5/10
The midfielder formed a good partnership with Bemammer and didn’t make any significant errors.
Hnamte made 4 recoveries and had 86% passing accuracy before he was substituted in the 70th minute for Maheson Singh
Imran Khan – 5.5/10
The right-winger attempted a few crosses throughout the game and was also responsible for taking corner kicks from the right-hand side. He was substituted in the 64th minute and was replaced by Vivek.
Irfan Yadwad – 7.5/10
The ever-energetic Irfan was quite busy in the first half. Aside from his attacking duties, he also helped out the defence, whenever called upon.
The youngster was fouled multiple times and was a constant threat to Mumbai’s backline. He was replaced in the 88th minute.
Substitutes
Vivek S – 5/10
He was substituted into the game in the 65th minute and was initially a bit nervous on the ball.
Maheson – 5.5/10
He came on in the 70th minute and delivered a brilliant through ball to Vivek on the wing.
The youngster seemed to gel quickly with his teammates, and we can expect more from him this season.
Gurkirat Singh – 5/10
Came on in the 70th minute and didn’t do much to trouble the keeper.
Jiteshwor Singh – N/A
He came on for Irfan in the 88th minute and was booked within two minutes.
Mumbai City FC Player Ratings (by Ayushman Sharma)
Phurba Lachenpa – 6.5/10
Kept a clean sheet and looked calm throughout the game, appearing comfortable while playing out from the back.
Had a few fumbles while dealing with the ball but overall delivered an above-average performance and maintained good composure.
Akash Mishra – 8/10
An absolute smooth operator on the left flank, quietly controlling proceedings for Mumbai City both defensively and offensively.
Consistently effective throughout the game and deservedly picked up the Man of the Match award.
Sahil Panwar – 7/10
Looked solid defensively and did an excellent job keeping Chennaiyin forward Iñigo Martín quiet throughout the game.
His developing partnership with Nuno Reis showed promising early signs and could prove important for the Islanders going forward.
Valpuia – 7/10
Valpuia displayed a solid display of both defensive and offensive football. He was able to work well with the defensive unit of Mumbai City FC and managed to keep a clean sheet for the team and most importantly the 3 points.
Tluanga – 7.5/10
Absolutely dominated the midfield, holding his own against big names like Noguera and Bemammer.
Looked extremely solid in the Centre of the park and formed an excellent partnership with Joni Kauko, controlling the tempo and providing strong midfield stability.
Brandon Fernandes – 6.5/10
Brandon looked pretty decent on the field playing in the left-hand side of the field. He formed good chemistry with Ortiz and delivered some good set pieces for Mumbai City FC in the attacking third.
Chhangte – 7/10
Chhangte as usual completely dominated the final attacking third and looked absolutely carnage going forward.
Even though he did not register any goal or assist, he looked very dangerous upfront and was the main source of attack for the Islanders.
Substitutes
Vikram Pratap Singh – 5/10
Came in at 71st minute for Brandon Fernandes, Vikram was quick on the pitch with fresh legs but failed to deliver any major impact on the game.
Noufal – 6/10
Noufal came in at 72nd minute and instantly impacted the game positively for Mumbai City FC. He looked sharp going forward and was absolutely fierce in the opponent’s final third.
Puipuia – 5/10
Puipuia had a decent game after he was subbed in at the 62nd minute. He looked pretty good on the field but failed to make any large impact.
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Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.