Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) secured a thrilling 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC (CFC) at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, thanks to a late goal from substitute Jason Cummings.
The match seemed destined for a goalless draw until Jose Molina's tactical substitutions proved game-changing in the closing stages. Greg Stewart, introduced in the 85th minute, made an immediate impact with his pinpoint assist setting up Cummings for the winning goal.
Stewart, who returned from a leg injury that sidelined him for two weeks, was ecstatic about playing a pivotal role in the victory. “Massive three points for the boys today against a difficult Chennaiyin FC team," Stewart said to indiansuperleague.com after the game. "We dug deep; it was difficult at times, and we knew it was going to be like that.”
His performance extended beyond the assist, as he relentlessly pressed the CFC defense and hit the woodwork twice in the final minutes. Stewart also expressed his joy for Cummings, who has had a challenging period with limited game time.
"The boys worked so hard, and to come on for the last ten minutes to try and help the team after being injured for so many weeks," Stewart continued. "I'm just so happy for the boys to get the three points and even more (happy) for Jason. He had a tough time; he wasn't having much game time, but he has shown his class once again.”
Cummings, who scored his fourth goal off the bench since joining the ISL last season, echoed Stewart's sentiment about the team effort and the vital role of the fans.
"Greg (Stewart) gave me the pass from outside the box, and I just got it to my feet and tried to find the top corner, and luckily enough, it went in," Cummings said. “Fans, as always, pushed us until the very end, and it was a hard game. Chennaiyin FC are a top team, and they pushed us until the very end, and we are glad to come away with the three points.”
