ISL 2025-26: Country’s own goal helps Punjab beat Chennaiyin

In a match with few clear-cut chances, it seemed rather fitting that Punjab FC’s 1-0 win against Chennaiyin FC in Wednesday’s Indian Super League (ISL) match came courtesy of an 84th-minute own goal.

Attempting to mark Suresh Meitei during a Punjab corner, Chennaiyin’s Lalrinliana Hnamte stood with his back to the goal and was completely unaware of Daniel Ramirez’s cross hitting his body before going into the net.

The result takes Punjab, which has 18 points after ten matches, to sixth place in the standings. Chennaiyin continues to languish at 12th place with nine points.

The hosts, who controlled 60 percent of the ball, deserved the win after looking the more threatening of the two teams. Ramirez, the attacking midfielder from Spain with a creative spark, orchestrated most of the attacks.

The first real chance came in the 11th minute when Ramirez Bede met Osuji on a bowl, but the latter’s shot was cleared off the goal line by defender Pritam Kotal.

In the 25th minute, Ramirez turned supplier again when he found Nsungusi Effiong on the left with a perfectly weighted pass. But Effiong couldn’t get a clear sight of goal, much to the credit of Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz, who charged forward and reduced the angle for the Punjab striker.

Just a minute later, Chennaiyin had one of its rare openings when Irfan Yadwad’s pass found Lalrinliana Hnamte in a prime position in the box. However, Hnamte lost the initiative with a heavy first goal.

Published on May 6, 2026