Punjab FC Holds FC Goa to a Draw in Thrilling ISL Encounter
Match Overview
In an exciting clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, Punjab FC managed to secure a 1-1 draw against FC Goa in the Indian Super League 2025-26 on Monday. This result allowed FC Goa to maintain their unbeaten streak, placing them fourth in the league standings with nine points, while Punjab FC sits in eighth position with five points. Dejan Drazic from FC Goa was named Player of the Match.
Team Changes
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 Marquez, opted to keep the starting lineup unchanged.
First Half: Punjab Takes the Lead
Punjab FC began the match with strong momentum, dominating 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 Ramirez's corner found Uvais, whose header was comfortably saved by FC Goa's goalkeeper, Hrithik Tiwari.
Continuing their dominance, Punjab was rewarded in the 27th minute. A midfield play led to Manglenthang Kipgen, who delivered a precise through ball to Nsungusi Jr Effiong. Effiong 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. Ramirez tested Tiwari with a long-range shot in the 37th minute, while Nsungusi Jr's attempt shortly after was also saved. Kipgen tried his luck from distance but missed the target.
FC Goa struggled to clear their lines for most of the half but nearly equalized in stoppage time. Sandesh Jhingan narrowly missed with a header from a Drazic cross, and Pol Moreno also failed to find the target. Punjab almost conceded an own goal when Uvais's header hit the woodwork, but they held onto their lead as the half concluded.
Second Half: Goa Equalizes Against 10-Man Punjab
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 took advantage of their numerical superiority. In the 53rd minute, Brison Fernandes made a turn in midfield and passed to Drazic, who fired a right-footed shot from outside the box into the bottom corner, leveling the score at 1-1.
Goa continued to press forward, with Udanta Singh heading just over from a corner in the 60th minute, and Drazic missing a free header shortly after from a well-placed cross.
In the 71st minute, Punjab's substitute striker Bede Osuji set up Kipgen inside the box, but Kipgen's shot lacked power and was easily collected by Tiwari.
As the match neared its conclusion, Goa sought a winning goal. Mohammad Yasir's header was saved by Arshdeep Singh in the 79th minute, while late attempts from Raynier Fernandes and Drazic went off target. Punjab defended resolutely during stoppage time, with Arshdeep safely gathering a final effort from Brison Fernandes.