ISL 2026-27: Gurkirat Singh scores late as Punjab FC hold Mumbai City FC to a 1-1 draw

Leandro Otormin, right, scored the opening goal for Mumbai City. | Photo Credit: ISL MEDIA

Punjab FC held Mumbai City FC to a 1-1 draw in an Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday.

Leandro Otormin gave the visitor the lead from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute, before former Mumbai City attacker Gurkirat Singh headed in a 90th-minute equaliser, his first goal for Punjab.

Punjab started with intense pressing, turning the contest physical early on. Rishikanta Meitei had the first opening in the fourth minute, but his right footed effort from distance was saved by Mumbai City goalkeeper TP Rehenesh.

Punjab continued to trouble the visitor with its pressing and quick transitions, while the Islanders looked to hit back on the break and through their wingers

Mumbai City was forced into an early change when Vikram Partap Singh could not continue after a tackle involving Meitei, with Farukh Chaudhary coming on. Brandon Fernandes soon came close to breaking the deadlock, but Arshdeep Singh rushed off his line to make a crucial save.

Punjab made a change in the 36th minute, with Bishu Singh replacing Meitei. Punjab went closest deep into first-half stoppage time, when Khaiminthang Lhungdim’s left-footed effort from distance hit the angle of the woodwork. Neither side could convert their chances before the break.

Mumbai City started the second half on the front foot, with Valpuia’s cross finding Farukh, who failed to connect properly with his header. Ten minutes into the half, Punjab introduced Gurkirat in place of youngster Vishal Yadav.

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The breakthrough came just past the hour mark, when Bijoy Varghese stepped on PN Noufal’s ankle inside the box, handing the visitor a penalty. Otormin made no mistake from 12 yards, driving his spot kick past Arshdeep.

Four minutes later, head coach Manolo Marquez made a double change, bringing on Tluanga for Brandon and Wilmar Jordan for Otormin. Punjab responded with a double change of its own, sending on Sanathoi Meitei and Arshvir Singh for Muhammad Suhail and Diego Raposo.

The substitutions paid off for the host in the closing stages. Sanathoi whipped in a pinpoint cross from the left to find an unmarked Gurkirat, who rose to head past his former club and earn Punjab a share of the points.