ISL: Effiong’s brace powers Punjab FC past BFC

Nsungusi Effiong's brace leads Punjab FC to a decisive 2-0 victory over Bengaluru FC in the ISL.

The towering Nsungusi Effiong proved too hot to handle for Bengaluru FC (BFC). The tall striker, blessed with both strength and speed, scored a brace to give Punjab FC a 2-0 win over BFC in an ISL encounter at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Friday.

The visitor recorded its maiden win in two matches, while BFC suffered its first defeat in three games.

Effiong ran riot in the first half, bullying defenders Nikhil Poojari and K. Chinglensana into submission. The BFC wall cracked in the 20th minute, when Effiong climbed over his marker to meet a cross from Manglenthang Kipgen.

Effiong’s strong header beat BFC goalkeeper Gurpreet Sandhu at the near post.

The Nigerian doubled the lead with a composed finish in the 32nd. After being dispossessed in midfield, BFC was slow to get back in defence. Dani Ramirez found Effiong with a neat pass, who produced a left-footed strike from the edge of the box which rocketed past Sandhu.

A desperate BFC, physically and tactically outplayed, brought Sunil Chhetri, Sirojiddin and Haobam Meetei on in the second half.