Punjab FC Vs FC Goa Highlights, Indian Super League: Match Ends; PFC 0-1 FCG

Welcome to the live coverage of the Indian Super League 2024-25 where Punjab FC are facing FC Goa today at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

Live action begins 7:30 pm IST. The Indian Super League is streamed live on JioHotstar (English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam) and telecast live on Star Sports – 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam).

Punjab FC are in a tricky position with only 24 points from 21 games. Even win in all of their last three games does not guarantee them a play-off ticket. On the other hand, Goa are in a comfortable position at the second spot with 42 points in 21 games. Since a top two finish gives direct semifinal berth, FC Goa would be keen to consolidate the advantage with more wins.

FC Goa and Punjab FC have faced each other three times in the ISL, with the Gaurs winning twice and one game ending in a draw.

We will begin in less than 10 minutes now. Here is what Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis said ahead of this game.

Here we go then! The National Anthem is done and both sides are ready to lock horns in New Delhi. Punjab and Goa are both sporting 4-2-3-1 formation.

5' First shot of the game comes from the Gaurs and they get two opportunities. The first shot, from Brison Fernandes, is blocked giving Goa a corner. The second one, from Udanta Singh, misses to the right. A good start for Goa.

10' Goa have started on the frontfoot and they are consistently threatening the Punjab defence. Carl McHugh's shot is saved by the Punjab FC goalkeeper Muheet Khan and Goa get a corner.

21' A dominating start to the game for FC Goa. They have kept the ball and made some attacks. Punjab goalkeeper Muheet Singh has managed some good saves but how long will his defence keep helping him? Punjab need to control the ball now.

33' We are past the half-hour mark and Punjab FC are yet to take an attempt at the goal. Goa completely dominating the game at the moment.

36' Another shot from Goa but Punjab manage to keep it away. Carl McHugh with the shot from outside the box but is has been blocked.

45' GOAL For FC Goa!!!

Carl McHugh fires the first goal of the game and FC Goa take lead. Udanta Singh and McHugh had tried to combine and score earlier this game too but this time they are succesful. McHugh with a brilliant left-footer from outside the box and the ball beats the Punjab FC goalkeeper Muheet Khan. Goa get the lead that they richly deserved.

Punjab FC 0, FC Goa 1.

A half totally dominated by FC Goa. They came close to scoring quite a few times before they eventually did via McHugh who struck in the 45th minute. Punjab really need to up their game to compete.

There is the opening whistle and the game for the second half is underway now. Punjab FC are trailing FC Goa 0-1 but it has been a lopsided encounter so far. Punjab need to be better with the ball.

57' It has taken Punjab almost an hour to take their first threatening shot at the goalpost but it has been saved. Ricky Shabong with a shot from outside the box but saved by Goa goalkeeper Tiwari.

64' A miss by Petros Giakoumakis and yet again Punjab FC come close. This has been a slightly better half for the Shers but still that attack that really threatens Goa is awaited. Goa, on the other hand, seem like trying to sit pretty with the advantagen now.

72' Tekcham Singh with a shot for Punjab FC but it is blocked. FC Goa have faced a few attacks this half but they have been solid in defence. Punjab still looking for that equaliser.

84' This time it is too high. Punjab FC are trying but the equaliser is not coming against a tightly knit Goan defence. This time it was Khaiminthang Lhungdim who fired the shot but it is both high and wide.

FC Goa beat Punjab FC 1-0.

Another brilliant outing for FC Goa. They attacked well in the first half and got a goal ahead and then managed to defend it well against a lacklustre Punjab FC attack. It was Carl McHugh who found the only goal of the game and he did that in the 45th minute. The result also means Punjab FC's hopes of a top six finish are over.

So, Punjab FC's hopes of getting to the play-offs are officially over with this defeat. They started the season on a high before the form floundered and they kept going down and down in the standings. FC Goa now are most likely confirmed to get a second spot in the standings and thus enter the semifinals directly.

Thank you for following our coverage. FC Goa fans will be happy and Punjab FC supporters will be totally crushed. Anyway, the show moves on. We will be back tomorrow with another game. Till then bye, bye!