NorthEast United FC and Punjab FC played to a 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League 2024-25 match. The match was held at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Assam, on Friday. Punjab FC controlled 49.8% of the possession and took two shots on target. However, Khaiminthang Lhungdim scored in the 82nd minute, helping break their four-match losing streak and earning them a point.

Early Attack by NorthEast United

NorthEast United came out strong in the first 30 minutes. Jithin M.S., their main playmaker, created several chances. However, he missed a close-range shot that could have given him his first goal of the season.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie Gives NorthEast the Lead

In the 24th minute, NorthEast United took the lead. Melroy Melwin Assisi miscleared a long ball, and Macarton Nickson took a powerful shot. Punjab's goalkeeper, Muheet Shabir Khan, saved it, but the rebound fell to Alaaeddine Ajaraie. He took advantage of the chance, avoided the offside trap, and calmly slotted the ball into the net.

Punjab FC Responds Strongly

In the second half, Punjab FC mirrored NorthEast United’s aggressive start. Despite struggling to break through, they made an impact with fresh substitutions. Muhammad Suhail F came on in the 75th minute. Just seven minutes later, he fired a shot that forced a diving save from Gurmeet. The rebound spilled to Lhungdim, who finished neatly into the bottom right corner to level the score.

Table Standings

As a result of the draw, NorthEast United FC moved to fifth place with 23 points from 15 games. Meanwhile, Punjab FC stayed in eighth place with 19 points from 14 matches.