Daijiworld Media Network - Delhi

Delhi, Mar 17: Punjab FC and FC Goa shared spoils in a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Nehru Stadium on Monday, with Effiong Nsungusi’s second-half red card proving pivotal.

Effiong had given Punjab the lead in the 27th minute with a composed strike, his fourth goal of the season, after Manglenthang Kipgen’s clever through ball. Punjab dominated early proceedings, enjoying more possession and pressing the three-time clean-sheet defenders of Goa.

However, two minutes into the second half, Effiong reacted angrily to a challenge by Pol Moreno, headbutting the Spanish defender and earning a straight red card. The numerical advantage allowed Goa to turn the game around, with Dejan Drazic equalising in the 50th minute after a slick build-up involving Raynier Fernandes and Brison Fernandes.

Goa stretched their unbeaten run to five games, climbing to fourth in the ISL table with nine points. Punjab, despite the setback, remain eighth with five points and a game in hand.

The final quarter saw Goa dominate possession, with Drazic’s header and Brison’s late volley narrowly missing, while Punjab struggled to create meaningful chances after Effiong’s sending off. The result continued Punjab’s tough run against Goa, with three of the last six meetings seeing them lose or draw after taking the lead.