Mohali, September 1: Punjab FC endured a narrow 3-2 defeat against Sher-e-Punjab Sports Club in their Punjab Super League fixture at the Roundglass Sports Academy, New Chandigarh, on Monday. Despite twice taking the lead, the home side could not hold on, with the visitors finding decisive answers each time and clinching the winner late on.
Captain Sukhwinder Singh provided Punjab FC with the perfect start, opening the scoring in the fifth minute. His sharp finish set the tempo early but Sher-e-Punjab restored parity just six minutes later through a penalty converted by defender Barinder Singh Cheema, leaving the contest finely poised.
The second half began with Punjab FC pushing forward, and their persistence was rewarded in the 54th minute. Defender Jagdish Singh converted a penalty kick smartly to put the team ahead once again, sending the home crowd into celebration. But as in the first half, Sher-e-Punjab found a quick reply. Substitute Sahil Thapa equalised in the 58th minute, shifting momentum back to the visitors.
With both teams pressing hard in the final phase, the game looked destined for a tense finish. Punjab FC continued to create opportunities, with the attacking unit working tirelessly to find a breakthrough. Yet it was Sher-e-Punjab who struck the decisive blow.
Virender Singh found space in the 89th minute and slotted home the winner, sealing a tough result for Punjab FC despite a spirited showing.
For the hosts, however, there were positives to take away in a gritty performance and the side will build up on them to regroup quickly, focusing on converting promising play into results.
This was Punjab FC’s fifth outing in the competition, with the side securing two victories, two defeats and a draw in the campaign so far.
