Punjab FC produced a composed and clinical performance to secure a 2-0 victory over Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Friday night, registering their first win of the Indian Super League, ISL 2025-26 season.
A decisive first-half brace from Nsungusi Jr. Effiong proved sufficient to separate the sides, as the Shers combined attacking efficiency with defensive discipline to claim three valuable points. The result lifts Punjab to seventh place in the standings with three points, while Bengaluru remain sixth on four points after three matches. Nsungusi Jr. was named Player of the Match following his match-defining contribution.
Tactical Adjustments Shape the Contest
Bengaluru head coach Renedy Singh retained the same starting XI that featured in the previous outing, signaling trust in continuity. Punjab’s Panagiotis Dilmperis, however, made three alterations, introducing captain Nikhil Prabhu, Manglenthang Kipgen in midfield, and Nigerian forward Bede Amarachi Osuji to add structure and physicality.
Photo: Baranidharan M / Focus Sports / ISL
The opening exchanges were balanced. Bengaluru attempted to establish territorial control through early set-pieces, with Roshan Singh firing over from a fifth-minute free-kick. At the other end, Dani Ramírez tested the defensive block with a long-range attempt that was blocked before it reached Gurpreet Singh.
Punjab’s approach appeared measured. They looked comfortable allowing Bengaluru possession in non-threatening areas while preparing to attack through crosses and transitional phases. Osuji’s aerial presence was immediately evident, forcing defensive adjustments inside the box.
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The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute. Kipgen delivered a precise cross toward the near post, and Nsungusi Jr. timed his movement effectively. Rising above his marker, he powered a header into the top-right corner, leaving Gurpreet with no opportunity to intervene.
The goal highlighted Punjab’s focus on exploiting wide channels and delivering early service into dangerous areas. It also exposed Bengaluru’s vulnerability in tracking runs inside the box.
Bengaluru responded with a series of corners but struggled to convert possession into high-quality chances. Their delivery lacked variation, and Punjab’s central defenders, marshalled by Pablo Santos, maintained compact spacing. Midway through the half, Bijoy nearly doubled the lead when his glancing header from a Ramírez delivery drifted narrowly wide. The warning went unheeded.
Punjab extended their advantage in the 32nd minute. Ramírez found Nsungusi Jr. at the edge of the area following a structured buildup. The Nigerian forward shifted onto his left foot and drilled a low strike into the bottom-left corner at the near post. The execution was precise, reflecting both confidence and composure.
The two-goal cushion altered the dynamic. Bengaluru attempted to increase tempo, but Punjab’s defensive lines remained compact. Muhammed Uvais came close to adding a third before halftime, while Ashique Kuruniyan’s stoppage-time effort for the hosts was blocked. At the interval, the tactical contrast was evident: Punjab had maximised limited opportunities, while Bengaluru’s territorial dominance lacked incision.
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Renedy Singh reacted decisively at halftime, introducing Sirojiddin Kuziev, Ricky Meetei, and Sunil Chhetri to inject creativity and leadership into the attack. The substitutions brought immediate energy, with Bengaluru pressing higher and committing additional numbers forward.
Punjab, however, remained structured. Osuji tested Gurpreet early in the second half, reinforcing the visitors’ intent to counter decisively rather than retreat entirely. Bengaluru’s clearest opportunity arrived in the 58th minute. Ryan Williams delivered a low cross across the six-yard area, but Chhetri, arriving at close range, directed his effort wide. It was a pivotal moment; a goal then could have shifted momentum.
Kuziev later forced a save from Arshdeep Singh with a long-range strike, and Chhetri saw a header blocked inside the area. Despite sustained possession, Bengaluru struggled to disrupt Punjab’s disciplined defensive alignment.
Defensive Organisation and Game Management
Punjab’s ability to manage the final half-hour proved central to the outcome. They maintained defensive compactness, avoided unnecessary fouls in dangerous areas, and controlled second balls effectively. Arshdeep Singh’s positioning remained assured, reducing rebound risks.
Bengaluru attempted a late push, but Chhetri’s free-kick sailed over, and Ricky Shabong’s long-range attempt lacked conviction. Punjab’s backline, anchored by Santos and supported by Prabhu’s midfield screening, absorbed pressure without structural collapse.
The match underlined Punjab’s tactical clarity. Their structured pressing, calculated use of width, and clinical finishing converted minimal openings into decisive advantages. Nsungusi Jr.’s brace showcased individual quality but was built upon collective organisation.
For Bengaluru, the defeat highlights challenges in final-third execution. While ball progression into wide areas was consistent, the absence of decisive movement inside the penalty area limited scoring opportunities. Defensive lapses in tracking near-post runs proved costly.
As the season progresses, efficiency in both boxes will likely determine standings. Punjab’s first victory establishes a platform for momentum, while Bengaluru must recalibrate attacking combinations and defensive concentration. Friday’s result demonstrated that in a competitive league, clinical execution often outweighs territorial dominance. Punjab capitalised on their moments. Bengaluru did not.
