Melroy melwin assisi

Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium: Khaiminthang Lhungdim scored a late equaliser to help Punjab FC hold NorthEast United FC to a 1-1 draw and end their losing streak with a timely comeback in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Friday night. 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 Highlanders were on the offensive in the opening 30 minutes, with their key creative outlet Jithin M.S., who has five assists to his name this season, having the chance to score his first goal of the season as he missed a header from close distance from inside the six-yard box.

The home team dissected the visitors’ defence with admirable ease, resulting in Alaaeddine Ajaraie starting the sequence at the edge of the box with a pass to an unmarked Buanthanglun Samte, who sprinted ahead and crossed in the ball to Jithin precisely. Jithin’s header missed the target on the right side, despite being in such proximity to the net.