GUWAHATI: NorthEast United FC and Punjab FC played out a 1-1 draw at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, on Friday, January 10, 2025.

Punjab FC kept 49.8% of the possession and took two shots on target, but an 82nd minute equaliser by Khaiminthang Lhungdim proved enough for them to break their four-game-long losing streak and settle for a point.

The first breakthrough came in the 24th minute through Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who showed tremendous finishing instincts in the final third. Melroy Melwin Assisi tried to clear a long ball hurled into the Punjab FC defence, but the ball went straight to Macarton Nickson who was extensively away from the box.

Nickson, however, spotted gaps in the Highlanders’ defence and rushed into a long-range effort that had to be saved by Punjab FC’s Muheet Shabir Khan in the bottom left corner. The ball, however, rebounded to Ajaraie, who carefully evaded being caught offside and tapped the ball into the bottom right corner to open the scoring.

NorthEast United FC will play FC Goa on January 14, whereas Punjab FC are slated to lock horns with Mumbai City FC on January 16.

(ISL Media Team)