Punjab FC and NorthEast United FC played out a 1-1 draw in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday.
Parthib Gogoi put NorthEast United FC ahead in the 60th minute, but Punjab FC striker Nsungusi Jr. Effiong equalised three minutes later to ensure both teams shared the points.
The draw lifted Punjab FC one place to eighth in the standings with four points and a game in hand, while NorthEast United FC remained tenth with three points from four matches.
NorthEast United started brightly and had the better of the early exchanges. Spanish defender Míchel Zabaco missed a clear opportunity from a Lalrinzuala cross during the opening stages. Soon after, winger Jithin MS attempted a lofted effort but failed to hit the target.
Punjab FC gradually settled into the contest and created chances of their own. Spanish midfielder Daniel Ramírez missed a free header before Effiong registered his first shot on target.
Punjab coach Panagiotis Dilmperis was forced into a double substitution around the half-hour mark after Nikhil Prabhu suffered an injury. Suhail, introduced from the bench, created two opportunities late in the first half, while Gogoi had the final chance before the break but could not convert.
The second half began with several fouls and three quick bookings before the breakthrough arrived. Gogoi capitalised on a loose ball after Lalrinzuala was surrounded by defenders, controlled it well and finished past Punjab goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh to give NorthEast United the lead.
Punjab responded quickly. Suhail, who had been influential down the left flank, beat Redeem Talang and cut the ball back inside the box for Effiong, who turned and finished to make it 1-1. The goal was the Nigerian striker’s third of the ISL season and his third in two matches.
Punjab pushed forward in search of a winner late in the match. Substitute Samir Zeljković found the net but the effort was ruled out for offside, and the contest ended in a draw.
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