Punjab, NorthEast United share the spoils

At the end of 90 minutes of the Indian Super League (ISL) fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Monday, there was little to separate Punjab FC and NorthEast United FC. A 1-1 draw meant that the two teams had to settle for a point each in front of a sparse crowd.

It was after a goalless first half that the contest sprung to life. Seemingly against the run of play, NEUFC took the lead in the 60th minute when the ball ricocheted off a Punjab player and fell to Parthib Gogoi. The forward was through on goal in the blink of an eye and executed a calm finish for the game’s opening goal.

Just three minutes later, however, Punjab struck back. The equaliser came through Effiong Nsungusi, who back-heeled a cross from winger Muhammad Suhail into the back of the net. The latter did a lot of the hard work on the left to storm into the box, and was pinpoint with his subsequent delivery to pick out the Nigerian striker.

In the first half, Punjab enjoyed more of the ball. Towards the end of the opening period, Suhail, who came on for the injured Nikhil Prabhu in the 32nd minute, looked promising with his pacy runs from the left flank.

In the 44th minute, Suhail’s spark saw him dribble past Redeem Tlang and find Daniel Ramirez inside the 18-yard box. But the Spaniard squandered a brilliant opportunity by taking one touch too many.

The result: Punjab FC 1 (Effiong Nsungusi 63) drew with NorthEast United FC 1 (Parthib Gogoi 60).