ISL 2025-26: Effiong Nsungusi's Two Goals Lead Punjab FC to 2-0 Victory Over Bengaluru FC
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bengaluru, Feb 27 (NationPress) Effiong Nsungusi netted two goals to propel Punjab FC to a surprising 2-0 victory over former champions Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Friday.
Renedy Singh opted for an unchanged starting lineup from the previous match, but the contest turned unfavorable for Bengaluru FC as Punjab FC celebrated their inaugural win of the season, marking their entry into the points standings.
Following a cautious first 20 minutes, Punjab FC took the lead when a well-placed cross from Kipgen allowed Effiong Nsungusi to leap above the defenders and direct a header into the net, with Gurpreet getting a touch but failing to prevent the goal.
Just 10 minutes later, Effiong doubled the score with a precise shot from the edge of the box that found the bottom corner past a diving Gurpreet. The intensity of the match remained high, but Punjab FC maintained their 2-0 advantage at halftime.
In the second half, Renedy made three substitutions, bringing on Meetei, Kuziev, and Sunil Chhetri to replace Sana, Suresh, and Sivasakhti.
Bengaluru FC nearly reduced the deficit when a clever pass from midfield set Ryan Williams free on the right wing, delivering a low cross to Sunil Chhetri, who unfortunately shot over the bar.
In the 69th minute, Punjab FC faced a potential setback as Kipgen left the pitch due to injury.
The remaining time saw both teams exchanging attacks, but the scoreline remained unchanged, concluding the match at 2-0 in favor of Punjab FC, achieving their first victory of the season.
This defeat marks a challenging moment for Bengaluru FC, who have now played three consecutive home games, remaining at 4 points after three matches, with their next encounter scheduled away against Mohammedan SC on March 7.