Punjab FC Stages Comeback to Defeat Mohammedan Sporting Club in ISL Clash

Punjab FC Triumphs with Second-Half Goals

In an exciting match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, Punjab FC rallied from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 on Friday. This win propelled Punjab FC to fifth place in the league standings with a total of 11 points, while Mohammedan remains at the bottom without any points. Dani Ramirez, the captain of Punjab FC, earned the Player of the Match accolade.

Punjab FC's head coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, made two strategic changes to the lineup, introducing Bede Amarachi Osuji and Suresh Meitei. In contrast, Mohammedan SC's coach, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, opted for six changes after their last match, bringing in Yash Chickro, Makan Winkle Chothe, Zodingliana, Hira Mondal, Lalremsanga Fanai, and Israfil Dewan.

Mohammedan Takes an Unexpected Lead

Punjab FC started the match strongly, creating several early opportunities. Striker Nsungusi Jr hit the crossbar in the seventh minute, and shortly after, left back Muhammed Uvais narrowly missed with a header from a cross by winger Manglenthang Kipgen.

Despite Punjab's early dominance, Mohammedan managed to score first in the 29th minute. A long ball from right back Hira Mondal found Lalremsanga Fanai, who calmly slotted it into the far post, giving the visitors a surprising 1-0 lead.

The Shers continued to press for an equalizer before halftime, with Dani Ramirez and Nsungusi Jr coming close. Suresh Meitei nearly leveled the score with a powerful long-range shot that hit the crossbar and bounced on the line, leaving Punjab trailing at the break.

Punjab FC's Swift Second-Half Response

At the start of the second half, Dilmperis made two substitutions, bringing on Muhammad Suhail and Pramveer, which had an immediate effect. Just two minutes after the restart, Pramveer executed a brilliant switch to Ramirez, whose cross was controlled by Samir Zeljkovic and laid off to Nsungusi Jr, who finished with his left foot to equalize at 1-1.

Punjab FC completed their comeback in the 52nd minute when Ricky Shabong sent a long ball into the box for Osuji, who squared it for Ramirez to finish into an empty net, putting Punjab ahead 2-1.

Punjab continued to threaten, with Nsungusi Jr and Ramirez both creating chances. Nsungusi Jr forced a save from Mohammedan's goalkeeper Padam Chettri in the 85th minute, while Ramirez narrowly missed the target shortly after.

Mohammedan pushed for an equalizer in the final moments but struggled to find the finishing touch. The match concluded with Punjab FC securing a 2-1 victory, thanks to their impressive second-half performance.