Punjab FC produced a clinical second-half turnaround to defeat Mohammedan SC 2-1 in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Friday.
Two goals in the space of five minutes early in the second half helped the Shers overturn a first-half deficit and secure a crucial three points.
The win sees Punjab FC climb to fifth place in the standings with 11 points, strengthening their position in the mid-table race. Mohammedan SC, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom of the table, still searching for their first points of the campaign.
Bright Start but Missed Chances
Punjab FC began the match on the front foot, dominating possession and creating early opportunities. Their attacking intent was clear from the outset, with Nsungusi Jr Effiong coming closest in the seventh minute when his effort rattled the crossbar. The home side continued to apply pressure through wide areas, with Manglenthang Kipgen delivering dangerous balls into the box. Left-back Muhammed Uvais nearly capitalised on one such delivery but headed just over the bar.
Despite controlling the tempo and territory, Punjab FC struggled to convert their chances — a theme that would define their first-half performance.
Mohammedan Strike Against the Run of Play
Against the flow of the game, Mohammedan SC took the lead in the 29th minute with a well-executed counter-attacking move. Right-back Hira Mondal delivered a precise long ball that split the Punjab defence, releasing Lalremsanga Fanai into space.
Fanai showed composure beyond his years, finishing clinically from the right side of the box to find the far corner. It was a moment of efficiency from Mohammedan, who had otherwise been largely on the back foot.
The goal shifted the momentum temporarily, forcing Punjab to recalibrate while giving Mohammedan confidence to defend deeper and look for opportunities on the break.
Punjab Push Before the Break
Trailing by a goal, Punjab FC continued to push for an equaliser before halftime. Dani Ramírez and Nsungusi Jr both tested the Mohammedan defence, while centre-back Suresh Meitei came agonisingly close in the 45th minute. His long-range effort struck the crossbar and bounced on the line, denying Punjab what would have been a deserved equaliser. The hosts went into the break frustrated but still firmly in control of the game’s rhythm.
Photo: Rahul Goyal / Focus Sports / ISL
Punjab head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made decisive changes at halftime, introducing Muhammad Suhail and Pramveer. The impact of these substitutions was immediate and decisive.
Just two minutes into the second half, Punjab found their equaliser. A well-constructed move saw Pramveer switch play effectively to Ramírez, whose delivery into the box was controlled and laid off by Samir Zeljković. Nsungusi Jr then finished calmly with his left foot to make it 1-1.
The goal injected energy into Punjab’s play, and they quickly capitalised on their momentum.
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Punjab completed the comeback in the 52nd minute with another well-worked attacking move. Ricky Shabong’s long ball into the box found Bede Amarachi Osuji, who showed awareness to square the ball across goal.
Dani Ramírez, arriving unmarked, finished with precision into an empty net to give Punjab a 2-1 lead. The captain’s influence was evident not just in the goal, but in his overall control of the attacking phase.
His performance earned him the Player of the Match award, underlining his importance to Punjab’s system.
Game Management and Late Pressure
With the lead secured, Punjab FC shifted focus towards game management while continuing to threaten on the counter. Nsungusi Jr remained a constant danger, forcing a save from Mohammedan goalkeeper Padam Chettri in the 85th minute.
Ramírez also came close to extending the lead but fired narrowly over the bar. Despite their attacking intent, Punjab were unable to add a third goal that would have sealed the contest.
Mohammedan SC, meanwhile, pushed forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser. However, their efforts lacked precision in the final third, with Punjab’s defence holding firm under pressure. Punjab FC’s victory was built on resilience, tactical adjustments, and effective execution in key moments. Their ability to respond quickly after halftime and convert chances proved decisive.
For Mohammedan SC, the result highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining consistency across both halves. While their defensive organisation and counter-attacking threat were evident in phases, they struggled to sustain pressure and capitalise on their early lead. As the league progresses into a critical phase, results like these could prove pivotal for Punjab FC. Their climb to fifth place keeps them firmly in contention, while also reinforcing confidence within the squad.
For Mohammedan SC, the focus will now shift to regrouping and addressing gaps, particularly in managing leads and converting chances.
In the end, this was a match defined by momentum swings and Punjab FC’s ability to seize control when it mattered most ensured they walked away with all three points.
