Mohali, August 16: Punjab FC suffered their first setback in the 39th Punjab State Super Football League, going down 1-3 against Dalbir Football Academy in a hard-fought encounter here.
Dalbir FA struck first through Satvik Sharma in the 21st minute, putting the visitors ahead after a bright start. They doubled their advantage just before halftime when Amit Singh Chauhan found the net in the 42nd minute.
Punjab FC responded quickly, with Arshvir Singh pulling one back in first-half stoppage time (45+3’) to keep the Shers in the contest heading into the break.
The second half saw Punjab FC pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but Dalbir remained resilient and punished on the counter. Gurjeet Singh restored the two-goal cushion with a decisive strike in the 78th minute, effectively sealing the result.
Despite Punjab FC’s efforts to claw their way back, Dalbir FA’s defensive organisation and clinical finishing proved the difference on the day.
The defeat is a reminder of the challenges ahead in the long league campaign, but Punjab FC will look to regroup quickly and bounce back stronger in their upcoming fixtures.
