ISL: Gurkirat’s 90th-minute header saves Punjab FC a point against Mumbai City FC

Punjab FC preserved their unbeaten start to the 2026-27 Indian Super League season with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday. Substitute Gurkirat Singh struck in the 90th minute to earn the visitors a point after Leandro Otormin’s penalty put Mumbai ahead.

The result took Punjab FC to third in the table with four points from two matches, extending their positive start to the campaign. Mumbai City, meanwhile, had to rue their inability to hold on to their lead in the closing stages.

BOMBAY STRIKE OUT

After an even first half, both sides went into the break goalless, with neither side able to find a breakthrough. Punjab made a change to their starting line-up with Vishal Yadav replacing the injured Alfredo Planas Moya.

The start brought a major milestone for Yadav as he became the third youngest player to start an ISL match for Punjab FC.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 65th minute when Mumbai City were awarded a penalty. Otormin stepped up and converted from the spot to give the visitors a 1-0 lead, putting Punjab under pressure to find a response.

With time running out, Punjab needed a crucial contribution from their substitutes to avoid their first defeat of the season.

GURKIRAT SUPPLIES LATE EQUALIZER

Punjab’s persistence paid off in the 90th minute. Substitute Sanathoi Meetei produced an accurate cross into the box and Gurkirat rose with a header that found the net to equalize for the home side.

A late goal transformed the closing moments to rescue a point for Punjab when Mumbai looked close to taking all three. Gurkirat’s save also ensured that Punjab’s unbeaten run remained intact after two matches.

For the home side, the equalizer was a reward for continuing to press despite falling behind in the second half. Meetei’s serve and Gurkirat’s finish provided the decisive combination, with both substitutes coming forward at the crucial moment.

PUNJAB KEEP THE START UNBREAKED

The draw leaves Punjab FC with four points from their opening two matches, placing them third on the league table. While they will take encouragement from the late recovery, they will also be looking to build on their performance throughout the season.

Mumbai City, on the other hand, will be disappointed to have let their advantage slip so close to the final whistle. Otormin’s penalty put them in a strong position but they could not stop Punjab from finding a late way back into the match.

Gurkirat’s header in the 90th minute finally ensured that Punjab emerged with a share of the points and maintained their early season momentum.

– The end