Konsam Sanathoi Singh’s 90+5th-minute winner seals Punjab FC’s dramatic victory after Churchill Brothers twice fought back to level.

Punjab FC snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Churchill Brothers, with Konsam Sanathoi Singh delivering the decisive blow in the fifth minute of stoppage time to settle a five-goal thriller. Just when the contest appeared destined to end in a draw, Sanathoi found the back of the net in the 90+5th minute, turning Messi Bouli’s assist into a match-winning moment. The result capped an entertaining encounter in which both sides repeatedly traded blows. Churchill Brothers fought back twice through Sebastián Gutiérrez’s brace, but Punjab’s late surge ensured they walked away with all three points in dramatic fashion.

Churchill Brothers showed strong resilience in the first half

Churchill Brothers and Punjab FC played out a thrilling first half, with four goals leaving the two sides level at 2-2 at the break. Sebastián Gutiérrez struck twice for Churchill Brothers, while Messi Bouli and Alfred Planas found the net for Punjab FC in an action-packed opening 45 minutes.

Punjab FC made an aggressive start and earned a penalty in the 12th minute when Gaurav Bora fouled Messi Bouli inside the box. Bouli stepped up and confidently converted the spot kick in the 13th minute, firing a left-footed effort into the top-right corner to give Punjab the lead.

Punjab kept creating chances, with Manglenthang Kipgen and Alfred Planas testing Churchill goalkeeper Sayad Kadir. However, Churchill gradually found their rhythm and restored parity in the 37th minute. Vincy Barretto delivered a cross into the box, allowing Sebastián Gutiérrez to finish from close range.

The equaliser was short-lived as Alfred Planas restored Punjab’s advantage just three minutes later, finding the bottom-left corner with a composed right-footed finish from the centre of the penalty area.

But Churchill Brothers refused to surrender. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Gutiérrez struck again in the 45+2nd minute, completing his brace with a close-range finish to make it 2-2.

The opening half witnessed dramatic momentum shifts, with Punjab FC twice taking the lead and Churchill Brothers responding on both occasions. Gutiérrez emerged as the standout performer for Churchill, while Punjab’s attacking combination of Bouli, Planas and Kipgen repeatedly threatened the opposition defence.

Last-minute goal cost Churchill Brothers another loss

Churchill Brothers made changes at the start of the second half, while Punjab introduced Konsam Sanathoi Singh in place of Muhammad Suhail. The match continued at a competitive pace, with both teams searching for a decisive breakthrough.

Churchill suffered an injury setback as Joseph Okoro was forced off in the 53rd minute, with John Okoli coming on. Trijoy Dias was also replaced by Melroy Assisi, while Vincy Barretto later had to leave the field following an injury in the 67th minute. Stendly Fernandes came on in his place.

Punjab FC threatened through Messi Bouli, whose 55th-minute header was saved by Churchill goalkeeper Sayad Kadir. The visitors continued to push forward, with Konsam Sanathoi Singh and Khaiminthang Lhungdim attempting to create opportunities. However, Churchill remained in the contest, and Kadir made important interventions to keep the score level.

At the other end, Wayde Lekay tested Punjab goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh in the 75th minute, but his effort was saved. Despite the attacking intent from both sides, neither team could find the decisive goal during regulation time.

Sanathoi Strikes in Stoppage Time to Seal Punjab’s Victory

Just when a draw seemed likely, Punjab FC delivered the decisive blow in the 90+5th minute. Messi Bouli turned provider, setting up Konsam Sanathoi Singh, who fired a right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner to give Punjab a dramatic 3-2 lead.

The goal sparked celebrations, earning Sanathoi a yellow card for excessive celebration. Churchill Brothers attempted to respond in the remaining moments, with Wayde Lekay firing narrowly over the crossbar in the 90+5th minute, but Punjab held on to claim all three points.

After a first half in which Sebastián Gutiérrez scored twice for Churchill Brothers and Messi Bouli and Alfred Planas found the net for Punjab FC, Sanathoi’s late strike proved the difference. Punjab showed persistence to secure victory in the dying moments, leaving Churchill disappointed after twice fighting back to level the score.