-Soumyaroop Mukherjee

Punjab FC vs FC Goa: FC Goa were held to a 1-1 draw by Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Monday evening. Punjab led through Nsungusi Effiong before a red card for the forward and a Dejan Drazic strike brought the Gaurs level.

The first half was tight, with both sides strong in midfield but short of clear chances. FC Goa had more of the ball yet did not test the Punjab goalkeeper enough. Punjab struck just before the break as Nsungusi Effiong curled a neat finish into the net.

The match turned after the break with bold changes from FC Goa Head Coach Manolo Márquez. He brought on Abdul Rabeeh and Raynier Fernandes at the start of the second half. Soon after, Effiong received a straight red card for a headbutt on Pol Moreno.

Drazic levels for FC Goa

FC Goa used the extra man to attack with more intent. In the 53rd minute, Raynier Fernandes slipped a through ball to Brison Fernandes, who turned and set up Dejan Drazic on the edge of the box. The Serbian finished first time with the outside of his boot.

Late pressure but points shared

With Punjab down to ten men, Drazic saw further efforts as FC Goa pushed for a winner. Brison Fernandes went close with a late volley, but Punjab’s defence stayed compact. FC Goa remain unbeaten yet miss a chance to close on the top two.

Next challenge for FC Goa

The draw gives FC Goa a single point from a demanding away fixture in the capital. The Gaurs now turn their focus to their next Indian Super League match, as they travel to face Chennaiyin FC away next Sunday.

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