Indian Super League 2024-25: Punjab FC’s Strong Display Ends in 1-1 Draw with Mumbai City FC

Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC ended their match in a 1-1 draw in Indian Super League 2024-25 season at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Despite dominating much of the game, Punjab couldn’t convert their chances. Luka Majcen gave Punjab the lead in first-half injury time, but Nikolaos Karelis equalized for Mumbai in the second half. This result moved Punjab to 8th place with 20 points from 15 matches, while Mumbai City stayed in 6th place with 24 points from 16 games.

Lineup and Formation

Punjab FC was without their head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, who was absent from the sidelines. The team started with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Ashis Pradhan, in place of the suspended Nikhil Prabhu, made his first start of the season in midfield alongside Ricky Shabong. Filip Mrzljak led the attack with academy graduate Muhammad Suhail F, making his second start of the season. Luka Majcen and Asmir Suljic completed the forward line. Leon Augustine played at right-back while Tekcham Abhishek Singh returned to left-back. Ivan Novoselec and Suresh Meitei manned the central defense, with Muheet Shabir in goal. Mumbai City, missing Lallianzuala Chhangte, named a strong starting 11.

Punjab Dominates First Half

From the beginning of the match, Punjab controlled the play. They dominated possession and created the better chances. In the 8th minute, Majcen played a long ball to Mrzljak, whose volley went wide. A few minutes later, Majcen had another shot that was saved by Mumbai goalkeeper Rehenesh. Ivan Novoselec missed a free header from a corner. Abhishek Singh tested the goalkeeper with a long-range shot after Mumbai failed to clear a corner.

Mumbai’s best chance in the first half came when Karelis’ header hit the crossbar from a corner kick. However, it was Punjab who broke the deadlock just before halftime. In injury time, Ricky Shabong won the ball in midfield. Suljic dribbled past two defenders and passed to Majcen, who calmly slotted the ball past substitute goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa.

Mumbai Responds in the Second Half

The second half saw Mumbai come out strong. They had more possession and pressed Punjab’s defense. In the 58th minute, Mumbai equalized. Karelis received a through ball from Van Nieff and fired the ball past Shabir, scoring through the legs of the onrushing goalkeeper.

Punjab Creates More Chances

Despite the equalizer, Punjab continued to attack. The introduction of Pulga Vidal and January signing Petros Giakoumakis added fresh energy to the attack. Nihal Sudeesh had a golden opportunity to score after being played through by Vidal, but his shot was saved by Lachenpa. Mrzljak came close to scoring again, but Lachenpa made a brilliant save. Vidal then fired a shot from outside the box, but it went inches over the crossbar.

Final Moments of Drama

In the dying moments of the game, Punjab had the best chance to win. Vidal delivered a curling free kick into the box, and Giakoumakis tried to convert it. However, Lachenpa missed the flight of the ball, and Giakoumakis couldn’t direct it into the net. On the other end, Suresh Meitei made a crucial clearance in injury time. Ayush Chhikara dribbled past Shabir and the goalkeeper, but Suresh deflected the shot just wide of the goal.

Both teams shared the points in a match where Punjab had the better chances but couldn’t capitalize. Tekcham Abhishek Singh was named Player of the Match for his performance. Punjab FC will next face Jamshedpur FC on January 28 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.