FC Goa Held to 1-1 Draw by 10-Man Punjab FC

FC Goa were held to a 1-1 draw by a 10-man Punjab FC in their Indian Super League 2025-26 clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday.

The result extended FC Goa’s unbeaten run and moved them to fourth place in the standings with nine points, while Punjab FC remained eighth with five points. Dejan Drazic was named Player of the Match.

Punjab FC made two midfield changes, introducing Leon Augustine and Samir Zeljkovic, while FC Goa fielded an unchanged starting XI.

The hosts began on the front foot, controlling possession and creating pressure through the flanks. Muhammed Uvais delivered several dangerous balls into the box, with the first shot on target arriving in the 15th minute when his header from a Dani Ramirez corner was collected by goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari.

Punjab took the lead in the 27th minute. Manglenthang Kipgen played a precise through ball to Nsungusi Jr Effiong, who controlled well before curling a left-footed shot into the top corner.

The home side continued to press late into the first half, with Ramirez and Effiong testing the Goa defence. FC Goa nearly equalised in stoppage time, as Sandesh Jhingan headed wide and Pol Moreno missed the target. Punjab also survived a scare when Uvais’ header struck the woodwork.

Punjab were reduced to 10 men early in the second half after Effiong was shown a straight red card.

FC Goa capitalised in the 53rd minute. Brison Fernandes set up Drazic, who struck from outside the box into the bottom corner to level the score.

Goa pushed for a winner, with Udanta Singh and Drazic both missing chances, while Mohammad Yasir’s header was saved by Arshdeep Singh. Late attempts from Raynier Fernandes and Drazic also failed to find the target.

Punjab held firm in stoppage time, with Arshdeep making a final save to ensure both sides shared the points.