Punjab FC – 1 ( Ricky John Shabong 12’)
Mohun Bagan Super Giant – 3 (Alberto Rodrigues 48’, 69’, Jamie Maclaren 64’ Pen)
New Delhi, December 26: Punjab FC put up a spirited performance against table-toppers Mohun Bagan Super Giant but ultimately succumbed to a 3-1 defeat in a fiercely contested Indian Super League match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Ricky Shabong’s stunning opener gave the Shers a promising start, but a red card in the second half tilted the momentum in favor of the Mariners. Punjab remains in seventh position with 18 points from 12 matches while Mohun Bagan SG are on top of the table with 29 points in 13 matches.
Pangiotis Dilmperis handed academy player Pramveer his ISL debut, making him the youngest player to start in the league. He started with Suresh Meitei and Melroy Assisi in a five man defence. Leon Augustine and Abhishek Singh started as wing backs. Nikhil Prabhu and Ricky Shabong started in midfield while Luka Majcen, Pulga Vidal and Asmir Suljic shouldered the responsibility in attack. On the other side, Jose Francisco Molina made two changes to field the Mariners in 4-4-2 formation with the Australian duo of Jamie Maclaren and Jason Cummings leading the attack. Midfielder Anirudh Thapa started for Mariners
Punjab FC started on the front foot, coming close to scoring in the third minute when Nikhil Prabhu’s effort hit the post. After sustained pressure, Ricky Shabong broke the deadlock in the 12th minute with a brilliant right-footed finish. The young midfielder made an incisive run from the left wing, slotting the ball between Vishal Kaith’s legs from a tight angle.
Mohun Bagan responded swiftly, with Ashish Rai’s powerful strike in the 14th minute forcing a sharp save from Punjab goalkeeper Ravi Kumar. While the Mariners sought to equalize, Punjab’s disciplined defense stopped their advances. The duo of Ricky Shabong and Asmir Suljic created another opportunity in the 37th minute, but Ezequiel Vidal’s shot deflected wide. As the half closed, Mohun Bagan pressed hard, but Ravi Kumar’s heroics ensured Punjab entered halftime with a 1-0 lead.
The second half started with Mohun Bagan pushing aggressively, and they equalized in the 48th minute when Alberto Rodrigues headed in from a Jason Cummings corner. Punjab faced a setback just three minutes later as Ezequiel Vidal was shown a second yellow card, reducing the Shers to ten men. Despite being a man down, Punjab displayed remarkable resilience. Ravi Kumar made several critical saves to deny the Mariners’ persistent attacks. However, a penalty was awarded in the 64th minute for a foul on Anirudh Thapa, which Jamie Maclaren converted to give the Mariners a 2-1 lead.
Alberto Rodrigues extended the lead in the 69th minute, heading in a cross from Thapa following a corner. Undeterred, Punjab pushed forward with substitute Shami Singamayum and Shabong creating chances, but Mohun Bagan’s defense stood firm. In the final stages, Punjab showcased their fighting spirit, with Shami’s late effort forcing a sharp save from Vishal Kaith. The Mariners dominated possession in the closing minutes, but Punjab’s defensive resolve ensured the scoreline remained respectable.
Punjab FC will look to bounce back when they face Kerala Blasters FC on January 5, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
