A determined Punjab FC side, reduced to ten men early in the second half, held FC Goa to a 1-1 draw in an intense Indian Super League 2025-26 clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Monday, March 16.
The result helped FC Goa extend its unbeaten streak and climb to fourth place with nine points, while Punjab FC remained eighth with five points. Goa’s Dejan Dražić, who scored the equaliser, was named Player of the Match.
Punjab head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made two midfield changes ahead of the fixture, bringing in Leon Augustine and Samir Zeljković, while FC Goa’s Manolo Márquez stuck with the same starting lineup.
The home side began brightly, asserting control through possession and attacking width. Muhammed Uvais was particularly influential from left-back, delivering several dangerous crosses. Punjab registered the first shot on target in the 15th minute when Dani Ramírez’s corner found Uvais, but his header was safely handled by goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari.
Punjab’s early dominance paid off in the 27th minute. A well-worked move saw Manglenthang Kipgen thread a precise through ball to Effiong Nsungusi, who calmly curled a left-footed finish into the top corner to give the hosts a deserved lead.
The Shers continued to push forward before halftime, with Ramírez and Nsungusi testing the Goa defence, though Tiwari remained alert. Goa, largely on the back foot, nearly equalised in stoppage time as Sandesh Jhingan headed narrowly wide and Pol Moreno missed the target.
The match shifted dramatically soon after the restart. Just three minutes into the second half, Punjab’s goalscorer Nsungusi was shown a straight red card, leaving his team a man down.
FC Goa quickly took advantage. In the 53rd minute, Brison Fernandes set up Dražić, who fired a low shot from outside the box into the bottom corner to level the score.
With the numerical advantage, Goa pressed for a winner. Udanta Singh and Dražić both came close with headers, while Mohammad Yasir and Raynier Fernandes also had opportunities in the closing stages.
Despite sustained pressure, Punjab’s defence stood firm. Goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh made key saves, including a late stop from Brison Fernandes, ensuring his side held on for a valuable point.
The match showcased Punjab FC’s resilience, as they weathered relentless attacks to secure a hard-fought draw against a strong FC Goa side.
