ISL 2024-25: Punjab FC registers second consecutive draw after stalemate against Mumbai City FC
ISL 2024-25: Punjab FC registers second consecutive draw after stalemate against Mumbai City FC
Punjab FC was held by Mumbai City FC 1-1 for its second consecutive draw, in a match clearly dominated by the home side in the Indian Super League encounter which was played here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Luka Majcen gave the Shers the lead in added time of the first half, but Nikolaos Karelis equalised in the second half. Punjab FC moved to eighth position with 20 points from 15 matches while Mumbai City remained in sixth with 24 points from 16 matches.
Punjab FC who was without head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis in the sidelines, started in the 4-2-3-1 formation with Ashis Pradhan getting his first start of the season, in place of the suspended Nikhil Prabhu and started in midfield along with Ricky Shabong.
Filip Mrzljak led the attack line along with Academy graduate Muhammad Suhail .F who got his second start of the season, Asmir Suljic and Luka Majcen. Leon Augustine started again at right back in place of the suspended Khaimingthang Lhungdim, while Tekcham Abhishek Singh returned in the left back position.
Ivan Novoselec and Suresh Meitei manned the centre of defence while Muheet Shabir kept his place in goal. On the other end, Petr Kratky named a strong starting 11 but missed the services of Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Punjab dominated the entire first half bossing the midfield and creating the best chances. Luka Majcen brought down Suhail’s long ball to tee up Filip Mrzljak on the edge of the box. The Croatian connected the ball sweetly on the volley only to see his effort whisk past the post.
Minutes later Luka Majcen shot was straight at Rehenesh. Ivan Novoselec missed a free header after leaping the highest to an Asmir Suljic corner kick.
Abhishek Singh then tested the goalkeeper with a long range effort after Mumbai failed to clear a corner. On the other end, the only time Mumbai City came close to scoring was when Nikolaos Karelis’s header hit the crossbar from a corner kick.
The Shers eventually took a well-deserved lead in injury time of the first half. The brilliant Ricky Shabong won back the ball in midfield and Asmir Suljic dribbled past two defenders and rolled the ball onto the path of Luka Majcen who calmly slotted the ball into the net past the substitute goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa who could only get a weak hand to the shot.
The home side started the second half on the front foot with Suhail testing the Mumbai defence twice. His first attempt went straight to the goalkeeper and the other one was blocked by Thaer Krouma.
Mumbai equalised in the 58th minute through Karelis. The Greek forward received a through ball from Van Nieff and found the target through the legs of the on rushing Muheet Shabir.
The Shers continued to press with the introduction of Pulga Vidal and January signing Petros Giakoumakis. Nihal Sudeesh had a golden opportunity to take the lead after being played through by Pulga Vidal but his shot was saved by the goalkeeper.
Filip Mrzljak came close once again but this time his effort was excellently palmed away by Lachenpa. Minutes later Pulga Vidal shot from outside the box went inches over the crossbar.
The best chance to win the game came in the final minute of regulation time. Pulga Vidal’s curling free kick was met by Giakoumakis after Lachenpa missed the flight of the ball. The striker could not direct the ball into the net.
On the other end, Suresh Meitei made a game saving clearance in injury time. Ayush Chhikara dribbled past the goalkeeper and hit a shot on target, but Suresh deflected the ball just inches away from goal.
In the end both teams had to be satisfied with a point each, in a match in which Punjab clearly had the advantage and the better chances. Tekcham Abhishek Singh was adjudged the Player of the Match.
Punjab FC will face Jamshedpur FC in their next fixture on 28th January which will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
