Punjab FC was held to a 1-1 draw by Mumbai City FC in an Indian Super League encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Despite dominating the match, Punjab FC could not convert their superiority into a much-needed win, settling for their second consecutive draw.
The match saw Luka Majcen give Punjab the lead in first-half injury time, but Nikolaos Karelis equalized for Mumbai early in the second half. Punjab remains eighth on the table with 20 points from 15 matches, while Mumbai stays sixth with 24 points from 16 games.
Punjab FC, playing without head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis on the sidelines, fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation. Ashis Pradhan earned his first start of the season, filling in for the suspended Nikhil Prabhu. Filip Mrzljak led the attack alongside Academy graduate Muhammad Suhail, while Asmir Suljic and Majcen supported from the wings.
The Shers dominated the first half, controlling possession and creating multiple chances. Filip Mrzljak came close with a volley that narrowly missed the post, while Majcen and Ivan Novoselec missed opportunities to put Punjab ahead. Mumbai City, on the other hand, had few chances, with Karelis’s header striking the crossbar being their closest effort.
Punjab’s persistence paid off just before halftime. Ricky Shabong’s midfield interception set up Asmir Suljic, who dribbled past two defenders and laid the ball to Luka Majcen. The forward calmly slotted the ball past substitute goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa, giving the home side a deserved lead.
The second half saw Mumbai City respond with more urgency. Karelis equalized in the 58th minute, capitalizing on a through ball from Van Nieff to beat Muheet Shabir with a composed finish.
Punjab pushed for a winner, introducing Pulga Vidal and new signing Petros Giakoumakis. Nihal Sudeesh missed a golden opportunity, while Mrzljak’s effort was brilliantly saved by Lachenpa. Vidal and Giakoumakis came close late in the game, with the latter missing an open chance following a misjudged free-kick.
In the dying moments, Suresh Meitei made a vital clearance to deny Mumbai a late winner, deflecting Ayush Chhikara’s shot just inches from goal.
Despite their dominance, Punjab had to settle for a point. Tekcham Abhishek Singh was named Player of the Match for his defensive contributions and attacking efforts.
Punjab FC will next face Jamshedpur FC on January 28 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, hoping to convert their dominance into three points.
