Punjab FC suffered a 1-2 defeat against Chennaiyin FC in an Indian Super League 2024-25 match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Despite a strong fight, they conceded a late goal in the 84th minute, allowing Chennaiyin to secure the win.
In the first half, Wilmar Jordan Gil gave Chennaiyin the lead through a penalty. However, Punjab responded early in the second half when Luka Majcen equalized. Although they created several chances afterward, they failed to convert them. Eventually, Chennaiyin made them pay when Daniel Chima Chukwu scored the winner just six minutes before full-time.
As a result, Punjab remains in ninth place with 24 points from 20 matches. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin is one spot below, also with 24 points but having played one extra match.
Lineups and Strategy
Since Punjab FC missed their usual center-back duo of Ivan Novoselec and Suresh Meitei due to suspensions, Nikhil Prabhu stepped into defense alongside Melroy Assisi, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, and Khaimingthang Lhungdim. In midfield, Ashis Pradhan and Ricky Shabong played key roles. Moreover, Head Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis fielded an all-foreign attacking unit, including Pulga Vidal, Asmir Suljic, Filip Mrzljak, and Petros Giakoumakis. Meanwhile, Ravi Kumar retained his position as goalkeeper.
On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC Head Coach Owen Coyle set up his team in a 4-4-2 formation. Up front, former Punjab FC striker Wilmar Jordan Gil played alongside Connor Shields, Kiyan Nassiri, and Irfan Yadwad.
Punjab Starts with Attack
Right from the start, Punjab showed attacking intent. They created the first big chance when Filip Mrzljak forced Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz into a save after receiving a setup from Petros Giakoumakis.
However, despite their early dominance, Punjab soon found themselves trailing. Melroy Assisi unintentionally handled the ball inside the box while trying to shield Wilmar Jordan, leading to a penalty. Without hesitation, Gil stepped up and converted from the spot, putting Chennaiyin ahead.
Shortly after, Punjab had multiple opportunities to equalize. Mrzljak came close twice but failed to find the target. As the first half neared its end, the game became an intense end-to-end battle. Substitute Muhammad Suhail delivered dangerous crosses from the left wing, yet none of them found the right target. Meanwhile, at the other end, Ravi Kumar made two outstanding one-on-one saves against Irfan Yadwad, keeping Punjab’s deficit to a single goal.
Second-Half Action
After the break, Punjab responded immediately. Just three minutes into the second half, Luka Majcen finished off a well-worked team move. Asmir Suljic passed to Pulga Vidal, who then delivered a precise ball into the box. Without wasting time, Majcen struck it past the goalkeeper, leveling the score.
Soon after, Punjab had more chances to take the lead. Within the next five minutes, Majcen found himself in three promising positions inside the box, all set up by the lively Suhail. Unfortunately, he failed to finish any of them, missing crucial opportunities to put Punjab ahead.
As the match progressed, Punjab kept pressing forward. However, they struggled with their final touch, leaving the door open for Chennaiyin. With just six minutes left, Chennaiyin capitalized on their chance. Substitute Lukas Brambilla sent a perfect pass into the six-yard box, where an unmarked Daniel Chima Chukwu calmly tapped the ball into the net, sealing Punjab’s fate.
Final Push and Next Match
In the closing minutes, Punjab desperately searched for an equalizer. They came close several times, but Chennaiyin’s defense held firm. First, Luka Majcen and Pulga Vidal forced crucial saves from the goalkeeper. Then, Vidal’s right-footed shot was cleared off the goal line, denying Punjab once again.
Ultimately, Chennaiyin defended their narrow lead and walked away with three crucial points.
Looking ahead, Punjab FC will return to New Delhi for their next match against East Bengal on February 22 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.