Punjab FC Holds FC Goa to a Draw in Thrilling ISL Encounter
Match Overview
In an exciting clash on March 16, 2026, Punjab FC managed to secure a 1-1 draw against FC Goa in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. This result allowed FC Goa to maintain their unbeaten streak, placing them fourth in the league standings with nine points, while Punjab FC remains in eighth position with five points. Dejan Dražic from FC Goa was named Player of the Match.
Punjab FC's head coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, made two adjustments to the midfield, introducing Leon Augustine to replace the injured Nikhil Prabhu and Samir Zeljkovic in place of Bede Osuji. In contrast, FC Goa's coach, Manolo Márquez, opted for an unchanged lineup.
The match began with Punjab FC asserting their dominance, controlling possession and applying early pressure on the flanks. Left-back Muhammed Uvais was instrumental, delivering several threatening crosses. The first shot on target came in the 15th minute when Dani Ramírez's corner found Uvais, whose header was comfortably saved by FC Goa's goalkeeper, Hrithik Tiwari.
Punjab continued to dictate the pace and were rewarded in the 27th minute. A midfield play led to Manglenthang Kipgen, who delivered a precise through ball to Nsungusi Jr Effiong. The striker displayed remarkable composure, curling a left-footed shot into the top corner, giving Punjab the lead.
As the first half progressed, Punjab maintained their pressure. Ramírez tested Tiwari with a long-range shot in the 37th minute, while Nsungusi Jr's subsequent attempt was easily collected by the goalkeeper. Kipgen also tried his luck from distance but failed to find the target. FC Goa struggled to clear their lines for most of the half but nearly equalized in stoppage time when Sandesh Jhingan headed just wide from a Dražic cross, and Pol Moreno missed shortly after. Punjab narrowly avoided conceding an own goal when Uvais's header hit the woodwork, preserving their lead as they headed into halftime.
The second half took a dramatic turn just three minutes in when Punjab was reduced to ten men after Nsungusi Jr received a straight red card. FC Goa quickly capitalized on their numerical advantage. In the 53rd minute, Brison Fernandes played the ball to Dražic, who fired a right-footed shot from outside the box into the bottom corner, leveling the score at 1-1.
FC Goa continued to press for a winner, with Udanta Singh heading just over from a corner in the 60th minute and Dražic missing a free header moments later from a well-placed cross. In the 71st minute, Punjab's substitute striker Bede Osuji set up Kipgen inside the box, but the midfielder's shot lacked power and was easily saved by Tiwari.
As the match neared its conclusion, FC Goa sought a late winner. Mohammad Yasir's header was saved by Arshdeep Singh in the 79th minute, while Raynier Fernandes and Dražic both missed their chances in the dying moments. Punjab defended resolutely during stoppage time, with Arshdeep safely gathering a final effort from Brison Fernandes.