Two second half goals saw Punjab FC hold NorthEast United FC to a 1-1 draw in their Indian Super League 2025-26 match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Monday, March 09, 2026.
Parthib Gogoi gave NorthEast the lead at the hour mark, only to see home-side Punjab FC’s Nigerian striker Nsungusi Jr. Effiong equalise three minutes later. Punjab improved one spot to eighth with four points and a game in hand, while the Highlanders remained 10th with three points after four games.
Table of Contents
Team Selection
NorthEast gaffer Juan Pedro Benali made one change from their previous 1-1 draw against Mumbai City FC, bringing in Macarton Nickson in midfield. Punjab’s Panagiotis Dilmperis put faith in the same XI that got them their first win against Bengaluru FC.
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi |
| Date | Monday, March 09, 2026 |
| Result | Punjab FC 1-1 NorthEast United FC |
| Scorers | Nsungusi Jr. Effiong 63′; Parthib Gogoi 60′ |
First Half
The visitors had the better of exchanges in the first quarter of an hour. Spanish centre-back Míchel Zabaco missed a golden opportunity after Lalrinzuala found him free with a measured cross from the left flank. A minute later, NorthEast winger Jithin MS also found space to dink one across and above the keeper, but missed the target.
Punjab then had a good spell with Spanish midfielder Daniel Ramírez missing a free header, followed by Effiong having his first shot on target. Dilmperis was forced onto a double substitution at the half-hour mark as Nikhil Prabhu got injured. Suhail created two chances near the close of the half, while Gogoi had the last great chance, but the deadlock could not be broken.
Second Half Drama
The second half initially saw scrappy play with three bookings in the first few minutes, but soon Parthib latched on to a loose ball after Rinzuala was boxed in by three defenders. He controlled wonderfully to drive forward and slot it with composure past Arshdeep Singh’s right to give the Highlanders the lead.
The equaliser came instantly after Suhail, a livewire down the left since coming on, won another battle with Redeem Talang, burst into the box and cut back for Effiong to tap in on the turn. It was the Nigerian’s third goal of the ISL season, and third in two games.
The Shers looked more eager for the win as the game drew to a close, but substitute Samir Zeljković was denied by the flag after slotting one in and the game ended in a draw.
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FAQs
What was the final score of Punjab FC vs NorthEast United FC?
Punjab FC and NorthEast United FC drew 1-1 on March 09, 2026. Parthib Gogoi gave NorthEast the lead in the 60th minute, but Nsungusi Jr. Effiong equalised three minutes later.
Where do Punjab FC stand in the ISL 2025-26 table?
Punjab FC moved up to eighth on the table with four points and a game in hand.
Where do NorthEast United FC stand after this draw?
NorthEast United FC remained 10th with three points after four games.
How many goals has Nsungusi Jr. Effiong scored this season?
The Nigerian striker’s equaliser was his third goal of the ISL 2025-26 season, and third in two games.
What changes did the coaches make?
NorthEast’s Juan Pedro Benali brought in Macarton Nickson in midfield. Punjab’s Panagiotis Dilmperis used the same XI from their win against Bengaluru FC, though he made a double substitution at the half-hour mark when Nikhil Prabhu got injured.
