Mohun Bagan Super Giant threw away a two-goal advantage as Mumbai City made a superb rally to hold the hosts 2-2 in the ISL-XI at the Salt Lake Stadium on Friday.

Leading 2-0 after 70 minutes, Bagan thought they had three points in their pocket against an opponent who have troubled them in the green and maroon brigade’s five seasons in the league.

This is the second match on-the-trot where Bagan failed to seal the deal despite being 2-0 up. Two weeks back, they allowed NorthEast United FC to come back and walk away with the Durand Cup.

On Friday, in the 70th minute Tiri made amends for his own goal in the early stage of the match with a scrappy finish and then in the 90th, substitute Thaer Krouma finished it in style to script the dramatic comeback.

Mumbai City coach Petr Kratky’s substitutions worked perfectly — he brought in Krouma, Vikram Partap Singh and Brandon Fernandes in the 85th minute. And in the 62nd minute, Kratky introduced the speedy PN Noufal on
the wings.

In contrast, Molina’s substitutions backfired. Sahal Abdul Samad and Anirudh Thapa, who came after the visitors had made it 2-1, struggled to make a mark. Also Alberto Rodriguez’s injury in the 79th minute and subsequent pullout made the Bagan defence brittle. Mumbai City could not have found a better last few minutes to put pressure on the hosts.

Bagan took the lead in the ninth minute. Mumbai City failed to clear the ball from a Bagan free-kick and the ball was played on once again by Apuia. Subhasish Bose received the ball outside the box and played it through to Liston Colaco on the left.

Mumbai City goalkeeper Purba Lapchenpa Colaco missed Colaco’s low centre and the ball bounced off an onrushing Tiri to nestle into the net.

Then in the 28th minute, Rodriguez volleyed home from close to make it 2-0.

But all those came to nought in the end.