In an Indian Super League match played here at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Mumbai City FC held Punjab FC 1-1 for their second straight draw in a game that was obviously dominated by the host team.
Nikolaos Karelis equalized in the second half after Luka Majcen gave the Shers the lead in the first half’s additional time. With 20 points from 15 games, Punjab FC rose to eighth place, while Mumbai City held onto sixth place with 24 points from 16 games.
The 4-2-3-1 system was used by Punjab FC, who were without head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis on the sidelines. Ashis Pradhan made his season debut in midfield alongside Ricky Shabong, replacing the suspended Nikhil Prabhu.
Asmir Suljic, Luka Majcen, Academy graduate Muhammad Suhail.F., who made his second start of the season, and Filip Mrzljak spearheaded the offensive line. The suspended Khaimingthang Lhungdim was replaced at right back by Leon Augustine, and Tekcham Abhishek Singh made a comeback at left back.
Muheet Shabir remained in goal, while Ivan Novoselec and Suresh Meitei handled the center of defense. Conversely, Petr Kratky selected a formidable starting lineup but failed to include Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Punjab controlled the midfield and created the greatest opportunities during the first half. Suhail’s long ball was pulled down by Luka Majcen, putting Filip Mrzljak on the edge of the box. On the volley, the Croatian made a lovely connection with the ball, but his attempt sailed past the post.
Rehenesh was directly in the line of Luka Majcen’s shot a few minutes later. Ivan Novoselec leaped the tallest to a corner kick from Asmir Suljic but missed a free header.
After Mumbai was unable to clear a corner, Abhishek Singh then put the goalie to the test with a long-range attempt. On the other hand, Mumbai City only had one close call with a goal when Nikolaos Karelis’ header from a corner kick struck the crossbar.
In the first half’s injury time, the Shers finally gained a well-earned lead. Asmir Suljic dribbled past two defenders and slid the ball onto Luka Majcen’s path after the outstanding Ricky Shabong won it back in midfield. Luka Majcen simply put the ball into the net past Phurba Lachenpa, the substitute goalkeeper, who could only get a feeble touch to the strike.
Suhail put the Mumbai defense to the test twice as the home team got off to a strong start in the second half. Thaer Krouma blocked his second attempt, and his first went straight to the goalkeeper.
Karelis gave Mumbai the equalizer in the 58th minute. Van Nieff sent a through pass to the Greek forward, who found the goal through the legs of the charging Muheet Shabir.
With the addition of Petros Giakoumakis in January and Pulga Vidal, the Shers kept up the pressure. After being played through by Pulga Vidal, Nihal Sudeesh had a fantastic chance to take the lead, but the goalie stopped his attempt.
Once more, Filip Mrzljak got very near, but Lachenpa palmed away his attempt with skill. A few minutes later, Pulga Vidal’s outside-the-box shot narrowly missed the crossbar.
The last minute of regulation time offered the best chance to win the match. Lachenpa missed the ball’s flight, and Giakoumakis met Pulga Vidal’s curling free kick. The striker was unable to put the ball in the goal.
Conversely, during injury time, Suresh Meitei produced a game-saving clearance. Suresh diverted the ball just inches from goal after Ayush Chhikara dribbled past the goalie and attempted an on-target effort.
In a game where Punjab had the advantage and the better chances, both teams had to settle for a point apiece in the end. The Player of the Match award went to Tekcham Abhishek Singh.
The next match between Punjab FC and Jamshedpur FC is scheduled for January 28 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
