New Delhi, Oct 6: Punjab FC secured their first points in the Indian Super League playing out a 1-1 draw to NorthEast United in the Round 3 match which was played here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Parthib Gogoi scored for the away side, while Melroy Assisi equalized for the Shers.
Punjab FC Head Coach Staikos Vergetis made three changes to the starting lineup bringing in Ravi Kumar in goal in place of Kiran Kumar Limbu, Greek defender Dimitrios Chatziisaias instead of Nikhil Prabhu and Amarjit Singh Kiyam, returning from national duty in place of Ashis Pradhan. NorthEast United Head Coach Juan Pedro Benali lined up his team in a 4-3-3 formation.
It was the home side that started the game brightly, Madih Talal and Juan Mera were keeping the Highlanders on their toes with their slick movement. The first chance of the game came for PFC through a good team move and Madih Talal’s shot was deflected away by the NothEast defence. On the other end, Nestor Roger’s shot was blocked expertly by Chatziisaias.
Juan Mera also came close to scoring but his shot went wide. NorthEast was awarded a penalty for a foul by Khaimingthang Lhungdim on Tondonba Singh but the penalty was brilliantly saved by PFC keeper Ravi Kumar keeping the scores level. (Agencies)