ISL 2026: Nsungusi Jr. brace powers Shers to first win of the season

Photo: AIFF

Punjab FC produced a composed and clinical performance to defeat Bengaluru FC 2-0 in Match 17 of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Friday evening.

A first-half brace from Nsungusi Jr. Effiong proved decisive as the Shers secured their first victory of the campaign and climbed to seventh in the standings with three points. Bengaluru FC remain sixth with four points after a frustrating night in front of goal.

Tactical tweaks and early exchanges

Bengaluru head coach Renedy Singh retained his starting XI, backing continuity at home. Punjab boss Panagiotis Dilmperis made three changes, introducing captain Nikhil Prabhu, Manglenthang Kipgen and Nigerian forward Bede Amarachi Osuji to add steel and pace.

The opening minutes were evenly contested. Roshan Singh tested the range with a direct free-kick that sailed over, while Dani Ramírez saw a long-range effort blocked at the other end. Punjab looked purposeful from set-pieces, with Osuji’s header blocked before Pablo Santos forced Gurpreet Singh into a sharp reaction save.

Nsungusi Jr. takes control

Punjab’s breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute. Kipgen delivered a teasing cross towards the near post, and Nsungusi Jr. rose highest to thunder a header into the top right corner. It was a goal built on movement and conviction.

Bengaluru attempted to respond through a flurry of corners but lacked the final touch inside the area. Bijoy nearly doubled Punjab’s advantage midway through the half, glancing a header just wide from a Ramírez delivery.

Moments after the water break, Punjab struck again. Nsungusi Jr. collected a pass from Ramírez at the edge of the box and drove a low left-footed shot into the near post to make it 2-0. It was clinical finishing, exposing a hesitant defensive line.

Muhammed Uvais almost added a third before half-time, while Ashique Kuruniyan’s late effort for the hosts was blocked as the Blues went into the interval two goals down.

Bengaluru push, Punjab hold firm

Renedy Singh reacted decisively at the restart, introducing Sirojiddin Kuziev, Ricky Meetei and Sunil Chhetri in a triple substitution aimed at changing momentum. The move injected urgency, but Punjab remained disciplined.

Osuji forced a save early in the half, underlining that the visitors were not content to sit back. Bengaluru’s best opportunity came in the 58th minute when Sunil Chhetri met Ryan Williams’ low cross, only to guide his effort wide from close range.

Kuziev tested Arshdeep Singh from distance and Chhetri saw a header blocked in a crowded box, but Punjab’s defensive structure stayed intact. The backline maintained compact spacing, limiting clear chances and forcing Bengaluru into speculative efforts.

Chhetri’s late free-kick drifted high and wide, and Ricky Shabong’s long-range attempt in the dying minutes reflected Punjab’s growing confidence as they managed the closing stages with composure.

Statement win for the Shers

Punjab FC’s 2-0 victory was built on first-half efficiency and second-half resilience. Nsungusi Jr.’s brace provided the platform, while a disciplined defensive display ensured a clean sheet.

For Bengaluru FC, it was a night of missed opportunities and fine margins. For Punjab, it was a breakthrough result that could redefine the early narrative of their season.