Sporting Club Delhi suffered a 2-1 defeat against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their MG Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday, despite taking a first-half lead in front of 14,971 spectators.
Lalrinliana Hnamte put the hosts ahead in the 23rd minute, but second-half strikes from Lee Erwin and Miguel Figueira helped Mohun Bagan turn the game around and secure all three points, according to a release.
The attendance at SC Delhi’s first home fixture marked an encouraging turnout for the relatively new club as it seeks to build a following in the national capital. However, the home supporters were left disappointed as the Phoenixes failed to hold on to their advantage.
SC Delhi made a positive start, with Juan Pena testing Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith with a long-range effort in the fourth minute. Lamgoulen Hangshing sent a corner opportunity over the crossbar four minutes later, while Nora Fernandes produced a save to deny Rahul Bheke as both sides looked to establish control.
The hosts broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute through a well-worked move. Manoj Mohammad picked out Hnamte with a precise pass, and the latter finished confidently with his left foot into the bottom-left corner to give SC Delhi a 1-0 lead.
The Phoenixes continued to threaten before the interval, with Rodriguinho testing Kaith from distance. Fernandes also kept out an attempt from Miguel Figueira to ensure the hosts went into half-time with their advantage intact.
Mohun Bagan responded strongly after the restart and drew level in the 56th minute. Erwin converted Bheke’s pass to bring the visitors back into the contest.
The Mariners completed the turnaround just four minutes later. Figueira found the net in the 60th minute after being set up by Lalengmawia Ralte, putting Mohun Bagan 2-1 ahead and shifting the pressure onto the hosts.
SC Delhi pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages. Rodriguinho came close with an effort from outside the box in the 72nd minute, while Hnamte fired over the bar deep into stoppage time in the 90+6th minute.
Fernandes made further saves to prevent the visitors from extending their lead, but SC Delhi were unable to find a way past Kaith for a second time.
The defeat leaves SC Delhi without a point after their opening two matches of the season, with the club sitting 12th in the standings. Despite the encouraging home turnout and a promising first-half display, the Phoenixes will need to improve their ability to protect leads as they look to get their campaign back on track.