Punjab FC Edge Odisha FC in Seven-Goal Stoppage-Time Thriller to Stay in ISL Title Race

Punjab FC kept their Indian Super League title hopes alive after surviving a chaotic stoppage-time finish to defeat Odisha FC 3-2 at the PJN Stadium in Margao on Saturday.

In a contest that exploded into life late in the second half, goals from Manglenthang Kipgen, Bede Osuji, and Dani Ramírez secured all three points for the Shers, while Odisha FC responded through Suhair VP and Kartik Hantal in a dramatic finale.

The victory moved Punjab FC to fourth place in the Indian Super League 2025-26 standings with 22 points from 12 matches level on points with East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant ahead of the crucial Kolkata derby. Odisha FC, meanwhile, remained 12th with 10 points after another frustrating evening in a difficult campaign.

Punjab FC began the game with clear attacking intent and dominated possession through long stretches of the opening half. Midfielders Samir Zeljković and Dani Ramírez controlled the tempo effectively, while Effiong Nsungusi Jr. constantly stretched Odisha’s defensive shape with his movement. The Shers nearly found an early breakthrough in the eighth minute when Nsungusi Jr. rose highest from a corner, only to see his header strike the near post.

Despite Punjab’s territorial dominance, Odisha FC defended with discipline.

The midfield pairing of Edwin Vanspaul and Lalthathanga Khawlhring worked tirelessly to close passing lanes and protect the defensive line, while goalkeeper Anuj Kumar produced several important interventions to keep the scores level. One of the standout performers throughout the game was Bede Osuji. The Nigerian forward repeatedly troubled Odisha’s defence with his dribbling and movement inside the penalty area. Midway through the first half, he produced a brilliant run into the box before forcing a sharp save from Anuj Kumar.

Moments later, Anuj once again reacted quickly to deny Osuji during a dangerous Punjab counterattack. Punjab continued creating opportunities through set-pieces and long-range efforts, but Odisha managed to survive until half-time with the score still goalless.

The second half followed a similar pattern initially, with Punjab pushing aggressively through the flanks while Odisha attempted to threaten in transition through Rahul KP. Eventually, Punjab’s pressure paid off in the 69th minute.

Substitute Manglenthang Kipgen, introduced to add fresh attacking energy, received a pass from Zeljković before striking from distance. The shot took an awkward bounce just in front of Anuj Kumar and slipped into the net, finally giving Punjab the lead their overall play had deserved.

However, the advantage lasted barely two minutes. Odisha responded in the 71st minute through substitute Suhair VP after Khawlhring delivered an inviting cross from the right side. Bijoy V slipped while attempting to defend the delivery, allowing Suhair to finish comfortably from close range.

The equaliser completely transformed the rhythm of the match. What had previously been a controlled contest suddenly became open and chaotic, with both teams pushing aggressively for a winner. Punjab continued attacking relentlessly, with Nsungusi Jr. missing narrowly with multiple headers, while Odisha remained dangerous on the counterattack.

The decisive phase arrived in the closing minutes. Punjab regained the lead in the 89th minute from a well-worked corner routine. Kipgen delivered the ball into the box, Nsungusi Jr. intelligently flicked it onward, and Bede Osuji reacted quickest to tap home from close range.

The goal capped an excellent individual performance from Osuji, who had been central to nearly every dangerous Punjab attack throughout the night.

But the drama was still not over. In stoppage time, Punjab appeared to secure victory when Osuji turned provider this time, laying the ball off for Dani Ramírez, whose powerful left-footed strike at the near post made it 3-1 in the 94th minute.

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The experienced Spaniard’s finish looked to have ended the contest entirely.

To their credit, Odisha FC continued fighting. Deep into added time, Sanathoi Singh combined effectively with Khawlhring before the latter squared the ball for substitute Kartik Hantal, who finished clinically to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

The late goal created a tense final few moments, but Punjab ultimately held firm to secure an important victory.

The win keeps Punjab FC firmly alive in the title race heading into the final phase of the season. Panagiotis Dilmperis’ side has quietly emerged as one of the most consistent teams in recent weeks, combining improved defensive structure with greater attacking fluidity. Their ability to score decisive late goals and maintain attacking pressure throughout matches has become a defining characteristic of their campaign.

Most importantly, Punjab now sits level on points with the league leaders, ensuring the title race remains extremely tight ahead of Sunday’s Kolkata derby.

For Odisha FC, however, the defeat highlighted recurring defensive issues. Despite periods of disciplined organisation, the side once again struggled to manage key moments late in the game. Conceding twice in the closing minutes ultimately proved costly in a match where Odisha had worked hard to remain competitive.

The team showed resilience and attacking intent in the latter stages, but defensive inconsistency continues to undermine their overall performances this season.

As the ISL campaign approaches its conclusion, Punjab FC leaves Margao with momentum and belief, while Odisha FC is left searching for answers after another painful defeat.