New Delhi, March 17: In a thrilling encounter in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26, Punjab FC managed to secure a 1-1 draw against FC Goa despite playing with only ten players. The match, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, saw FC Goa maintaining their unbeaten streak with this result. They now sit fourth in the points table with nine points, while Punjab FC is in eighth place with five points. FC Goa’s Dejan Dragić was named ‘Player of the Match’.
Punjab FC started the match strong, controlling possession and applying early pressure from both flanks. Left-back Muhammad Uwais delivered several dangerous crosses, and in the 15th minute, the home team took their first shot on goal. Uwais headed a corner kick from Dani Ramírez, which was safely caught by FC Goa’s goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari.
Maintaining their momentum, Punjab FC was rewarded in the 27th minute. A build-up from midfield found Manglenthang Kipgen, who delivered a precise through-ball to Nsungusi Junior Efiiong. The striker showcased remarkable composure, curling the ball into the top corner with his left foot, giving Punjab the lead.
In the closing moments of the first half, Punjab continued to apply pressure. Ramírez tested Tiwari with a long-range shot in the 37th minute, and shortly after, Tiwari easily caught a shot from Nsungusi Junior. Kipgen also attempted a shot from distance, but it missed the target. FC Goa struggled to clear their defensive line for most of the half, but in stoppage time, they came close to equalizing. Sandesh Jhingan headed Dragić’s cross just wide, and shortly after, Pol Moreno missed a goal-scoring opportunity.
The second half took a dramatic turn just three minutes after the restart when Punjab was reduced to ten men. Goalscorer Nsungusi Junior received a red card. FC Goa quickly capitalized on this advantage. In the 53rd minute, Brison Fernandes turned in midfield and passed to Dragić, who unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that found the bottom corner, leveling the score at 1-1. Goa continued to press for more goals, with Udanta Singh’s header from a corner going just over the bar in the 60th minute, and Dragić missing an easy header from a superb cross shortly after.
In the 71st minute, Punjab substitute striker Bede Osuji created a chance for Kipgen inside the box, but the midfielder’s shot lacked power and was easily caught by Tiwari. In the dying moments of the match, Goa searched for a winning goal. In the 79th minute, Arshdeep Singh saved a header from Mohammad Yasir, while both Renier Fernandes and Dragić failed to score in the final moments. Punjab held firm in stoppage time, with Arshdeep safely catching Brison Fernandes’ last shot.
–
Agency
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
