A stoppage-time free-kick from Jason Cummings sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory for Mohun Bagan Super Giant against Punjab FC in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
In a contest marked by attacking play and frequent shifts in momentum, Punjab FC took the lead twice through Dani Ramírez and Nsungusi Jr. Effiong. Mohun Bagan responded each time, with Jamie Maclaren and Sahal Abdul Samad finding the net, before Cummings delivered the decisive blow late in the game.
The win lifts Mohun Bagan to second place in the standings with 17 points, maintaining pressure on leaders Mumbai City FC. Punjab FC remain seventh with 11 points. Maclaren was named Player of the Match.
Mohun Bagan started brightly, with Maclaren testing the defence early, only to be denied by Bijoy Varghese. Punjab responded with efforts from Bede Osuji and Samir Zeljković, keeping Vishal Kaith alert in goal.
© AIFF MediaPunjab opened the scoring in the 12th minute following a move down the left flank. Zeljković initiated the attack before Muhammed Uvais delivered a cross into the box. Nsungusi Jr.’s attempt was missed, but Ramírez reacted quickly, controlling the ball and finishing calmly to give Punjab a 1-0 lead.
The hosts suffered a setback soon after as Alberto Rodríguez was forced off with an injury. Despite this, Mohun Bagan grew into the game and found the equaliser in the 29th minute. A quick exchange between Subhasish Bose and Robson released Maclaren inside the box, and the striker turned past his marker before firing a powerful shot past Arshdeep Singh.
Both sides continued to create chances in an open first half, but neither could add to the score before the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams pushing forward. Kaith made key saves to deny Osuji and Nsungusi Jr., while Arshdeep produced a sharp stop at the other end to keep out Abhishek Singh.
Punjab regained the lead around the hour mark. Ricky John Shabong carried the ball forward before linking up with Ramírez, who squared it for Osuji. A defensive intervention turned into an unintended assist for Nsungusi Jr., who struck a powerful volley into the far corner to make it 2-1.
Mohun Bagan responded with urgency, and head coach Sergio Lobera’s introduction of Sahal Abdul Samad proved crucial. In the 73rd minute, Sahal equalised with a long-range strike from over 30 yards that flew into the top corner.
© AIFF MediaThe closing stages saw both sides searching for a winner. Punjab threatened through Manglenthang Kipgen and Leon Augustine, while Nsungusi Jr. remained a constant danger. However, Kaith held firm.
In stoppage time, Mohun Bagan were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position. Cummings stepped up and curled a left-footed effort into the top-left corner, leaving Arshdeep with little chance and securing the win.
Punjab pushed forward in the final moments but could not find an equaliser, as Mohun Bagan held on to claim all three points in a high-quality encounter.
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