Score: Mohammedan SC – 0 | Punjab FC – 3 (Ninthoi 27’, Zeljkovic 43’, M. Kipgen 73’)
Punjab FC registered a commanding 3–0 victory over Mohammedan SC in their Group C encounter of the AIFF Indian Super Cup 2025 at the GMC Athletic Stadium. This was Punjab’s second consecutive win, taking them to six points from two matches and moving them a step closer to the semifinals. The goals came from Ninthoinganba Meetei, Samir Zeljkovic, and Manglenthang Kipgen.
Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made just one change to Punjab’s starting lineup, bringing in Spanish midfielder Dani Ramirez in place of Princeton Rebello, who had scored in the previous game. Mohammedan SC’s coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo fielded an unchanged eleven from their last outing, where they lost to Bengaluru FC.
The first major chance fell to Mohammedan’s Bijoy Varghese, whose header from a corner went narrowly wide. Soon after, goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee produced a fine save to deny Ninthoi.
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Punjab’s attacking quartet of Dani Ramirez, Kipgen, Ninthoi, and Muhammad Suhail constantly troubled the Mohammedan defence. Their fluid combination play led to the opener in the 27th minute — Kipgen’s precise through ball found Ninthoi making a clever run, and the winger calmly slotted past the advancing goalkeeper.
The pressure continued, and Punjab doubled their lead just before halftime. Right-back Khaiminthang Lhungdim delivered a deep cross that Ninthoi headed back across goal, where new signing Samir Zeljkovic was waiting unmarked. His left-footed shot may not have been perfectly struck, but it had enough power to find the bottom corner.
Punjab controlled the tempo after the break, dominating possession and creating chances. Mohammedan, meanwhile, struggled to threaten, with Yash Chickro’s long-range effort being their closest attempt.
In the 72nd minute, substitute Leon Augustine set up Kipgen inside the box, and the forward calmly finished to make it 3–0. Punjab continued to press for more, with new signing Nsungusi Effiong creating opportunities but failing to convert. Mohammedan managed their first shot on target only in stoppage time, which goalkeeper Muheet Shabir dealt with comfortably.
With this convincing win, Punjab FC recorded their second straight victory. They will face Bengaluru FC in their final group game on November 5 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda — a match likely to decide the Group C winners.