Punjab FC kept their title ambitions alive with a dramatic 3-2 win over Odisha FC in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the PJN Stadium in Margao on Saturday.
Odisha FC – 2 (Suhair VP 71′, Karthik Hantal 90+6′)
Punjab FC – 3 (Manglenthang Kipgen 69′, Bede Osuji 89′, Dani Ramirez 90+4′)
Margao, Saturday, May 16, 2026: Punjab FC kept their title ambitions alive with a dramatic 3-2 win over Odisha FC in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the PJN Stadium in Margao on Saturday.
Goals from Manglenthang Kipgen, Bede Osuji and Dani Ramirez ensured a vital win for the Lions, while Suhair VP and Karthik Hantal scored for Odisha FC in a thrilling encounter which came alive in the closing stages.
With the win, Panagiotis Dilamparis’ side moved up to fourth position with 22 points from 12 matches, level on points with East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giants ahead of tomorrow’s Kolkata derby. Meanwhile, Odisha FC finished 12th with 10 points from 12 matches. Bede Osuji was named player of the match for his impressive performance in attack.
Punjab dominated early and patiently moved the ball around in midfield through Samir Zeljkovic and Dani Ramirez. Effiong Nsungussie Junior looked lively with his movement, although Odisha right-back Subham Bhattacharya was determined to keep out early threats.
The Lions came close to breaking the deadlock in the eighth minute when Nsungusi Junior rose high to meet a corner, but his header hit the near post. Despite controlling the pace, Punjab found it difficult to penetrate Odisha’s well-marshalled defensive unit, which was manned by defensive midfielders Edwin Wanspaul and Lalthathanga Khawalring.
Bede Osuji was at the heart of Punjab’s attacking play and scored the opener midway through the half as he forced his way into the box before drawing a sharp save from goalkeeper Anuj Kumar. Moments later, Anuj once again stepped off his line and reacted quickly to deny Osuji a fast break.
Punjab continued to probe, Shami Singmayum heading wide from a set-piece and Zeljkovic saw a long-range effort blocked by captain Carlos Delgado. The Juggernauts responded sporadically, with Rahul KP attempting to get forward, but clear chances remained limited.
As the half progressed, both sides had efforts from distance, with Khawlring and Isak Wanlalruatfela trying their luck for Odisha, while Ramirez and Nsungusi Junior came close for Punjab. However, Odisha’s disciplined shape ensured the teams went into the break level at 0-0.
Punjab started the second half with renewed purpose and pushed Odisha to the brink. Osuji and Singamayum combined well, while Ramirez tested Anuj Kumar from distance. Meanwhile, Odisha were looking dangerous on the counter, with Rahul KP forcing Arshdeep Singh off his line and making a dangerous move.
The breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute. Substitute Manglenthang Kipgen was brought on to inspire the attack, receiving a pass from Zeljkovic and striking from distance. The ball took an awkward bounce just past Anuj Kumar and ended up in the net, giving Punjab a reasonable lead.
Odisha responded almost immediately. In the 71st minute, a cross from the right from Khwalering found substitute striker Suhair VP, who took advantage of a Bijoy Wee slip inside the box to equalize from close range.
After this the game started, with both sides pushing for the winner. Punjab continued to create chances, with Nsungusi Junior narrowly missing a header and then another effort missed. Odisha also remained resilient, with substitute Tejas Krishna making crucial blocks to keep the scores level.
Punjab’s persistence bore fruit in the 89th minute. From a well-worked corner, Kipgen fired the ball into the box, Nsungussie Jr. flicked it on intelligently, and Bede Osuji was perfectly positioned to tap the ball in from close range and restore the lead.
Four minutes later, the Lions added a decisive third. In stoppage time, Osuji passed the ball to Dani Ramirez, who fired a left-footed strike at the near post to make it 3–1.
TG Purushothaman’s team refused to relent and pulled one back in extra time. A sharp attacking move saw Sanathoi Singh combine with Kholring, who clinically finished the ball for substitute Karthik Hantal, setting up a tense finale.
However, in a thrilling match, Punjab maintained its strength in the last seconds and secured all three points.