Punjab FC Edge Odisha 3-2 to Stay in ISL Title Hunt

Punjab FC produced a late show at Margao’s PJEN Stadium to beat Odisha FC 3-2 and stay firmly in the ISL 2025-26 title race. Goals from Manglesthang Kipgen, Bede Osuji and Dani Ramirez cancelled out strikes by Suhaib VP and Kartik Hantal. The win moved Punjab to 22 points, level with East Bengal and Mohun Bagan ahead of Sunday’s Kolkata Derby. Odisha stay 12th on 10 points. Osuji earned Player of the Match honours. The first half was a tense stalemate with both keepers making vital saves, notably Anuj Kumar denying Osuji twice. After the interval Punjab struck first when Kipgen’s long-range effort found the net. Odisha responded instantly through Suhaib, but Osuji’s 89th-minute header restored the lead. Ramirez added a third in stoppage time before Hantal’s consolation goal ensured a dramatic finish. Punjab’s resilience secured the three points they desperately needed.