New Delhi, April 3 (NationPress) In a thrilling contest, Punjab FC staged a remarkable comeback with two rapid goals at the outset of the second half, securing a 2-1 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. This win propelled Punjab FC to fifth place in the standings with 11 points, while Mohammedan remains at the bottom without any points. The captain of the Shers, Dani Ramírez, was awarded the Player of the Match.

Punjab FC's head coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, made two key changes to his lineup, including Bede Amarachi Osuji and Suresh Meitei. In contrast, Mohammedan's coach, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, opted for six changes after their last match, bringing in Yash Chickro, Makan Winkle Chothe, Zodingliana, Hira Mondal, Lalremsanga Fanai, and Israfil Dewan.

The match began with Punjab showing strong intent, generating early opportunities. Striker Nsungusi Jr hit the crossbar in the seventh minute, and shortly after, left-back Muhammed Uvais narrowly missed the target with a header from a cross by winger Manglenthang Kipgen.

However, against the run of play, Mohammedan took the lead in the 29th minute. A well-placed through ball from right-back Hira Mondal found Lalremsanga Fanai, who coolly finished from the right side of the box, putting the visitors ahead 1-0.

Punjab continued to press for an equalizer before halftime, with Dani Ramírez and Nsungusi Jr coming close. Center-back Suresh Meitei nearly equalized in the 45th minute with a powerful long-range shot that struck the crossbar and bounced near the line, leaving Punjab trailing at the break.

At the beginning of the second half, Dilmperis made two substitutions, introducing Muhammad Suhail and Pramveer, and their influence was felt immediately.

Just two minutes into the second half, Pramveer executed a clever switch to Ramírez, whose cross was expertly controlled by Samir Zeljković before setting up Nsungusi Jr, who calmly scored with his left foot to equalize at 1-1.

Punjab completed their comeback in the 52nd minute. Ricky Shabong sent a long pass into the box for Osuji, who squared the ball across the goal for Ramírez to finish effortlessly into an empty net, giving Punjab a 2-1 advantage.

Punjab sought to extend their lead, with Nsungusi Jr and Ramírez both posing threats in the attacking third. In the 85th minute, Nsungusi Jr forced a save from Mohammedan's goalkeeper Padam Chettri, while Ramírez narrowly missed the target shortly after.

As the match neared its conclusion, Mohammedan pushed forward in search of an equalizer but struggled to create clear opportunities in the final third. The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Punjab FC, thanks to their impressive second-half performance.