Mohun Bagan Super Giant Triumphs Over Punjab FC in Thrilling ISL Clash

Exciting Match Ends with Late Free-Kick Heroics

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 12: In a thrilling encounter, Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a 3-2 victory against Punjab FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday, thanks to a dramatic late free-kick from Jason Cummings.

The match was filled with excitement as both teams exchanged leads. Punjab FC initially took the lead twice through goals from Dani Ramirez and Nsungusi Jr. Effiong, but Mohun Bagan responded with equalizers from Jamie Maclaren and Sahal Abdul Samad. Cummings' stoppage-time strike ultimately clinched the win for the Mariners.

This victory propelled Mohun Bagan to second place in the league standings with 17 points, while Punjab FC remained in seventh with 11 points. Jamie Maclaren was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.

The game kicked off with Mohun Bagan eager to dominate early on. Maclaren had a chance within the first three minutes, but his shot was blocked by Bijoy Varghese. Punjab FC countered with long-range attempts from Bede Osuji and Samir Zeljkovic, showcasing their confidence.

Punjab opened the scoring in the 12th minute through a well-executed play. Zeljkovic started the move, and after a cross from Muhammed Uvais, Dani Ramirez capitalized on a missed attempt by Nsungusi Jr. to slot the ball home, giving Punjab a 1-0 advantage.

Despite losing Alberto Rodriguez to injury shortly after, Mohun Bagan began to control the game, looking for opportunities against a solid Punjab defense.

In the 29th minute, Jamie Maclaren equalized with a brilliant individual effort. After a clever exchange with Captain Subhasish Bose and Robson, he maneuvered past his defender and fired a powerful shot into the near post, leveling the score at 1-1.

The first half continued with both teams creating chances, but neither could find the back of the net again before halftime.

The second half resumed with both sides pushing for goals. Vishal Kaith made crucial saves to deny Osuji and Nsungusi Jr., while Arshdeep Singh matched him with a sharp stop against Abhishek Singh.

Punjab regained the lead in the 60th minute with a swift attack. Ricky John Shabong combined with Dani Ramirez, who set up Bede Osuji. An attempted tackle from Mohun Bagan's Abhishek inadvertently turned into a cross for Nsungusi Jr., who volleyed it into the far corner, making it 2-1.

Mohun Bagan responded with urgency, and the introduction of Sahal Abdul Samad proved pivotal. In the 73rd minute, he unleashed a stunning long-range shot from over 30 yards that found the top corner, leveling the match once more.

As the match approached its conclusion, both teams sought a winner. Punjab came close with attempts from Manglenthang Kipgen and Leon Augustine, while Nsungusi Jr. remained a constant threat, but Kaith held firm in goal.

In stoppage time, Mohun Bagan earned a free-kick in a dangerous position. Jason Cummings stepped up and executed a brilliant left-footed shot that curled into the top-left corner, sealing a dramatic late winner for the hosts.

Despite Punjab's efforts to equalize in the final moments, Mohun Bagan managed the closing stages effectively, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory in what was one of the season's most entertaining matches.