Chennai : Defending champions Punjab were upset by Manipur 1-2 in their quarter-final Group A league opener of the 63rd National Football championship for the Santosh Trophy at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here on Tuesday.
Punjab took the lead in the 27th minute when an unmarked Balwant Singh headed in a Boy Singh cross from the left.
But former champions Manipur equalised within two minutes when a free-kick from M Raju was deflected into his own goal by Sarabjit Singh.
The goal seemed to dampen Punjab's spirits who were playing their first match in the tournament. In contrast, Manipur grew from strength to strength and after the change of ends applied more pressure on the Punjab defence.
They were rewarded in the 48th minute when Subhas Singh found the net from close range.
Reisangmi Vashum left Anwar Ali and Ravinder Singh chasing shadows and took a shot towards goal. Karanjit Singh blocked the effort partially but Subhas was close at hand to knock in the rebound.
Manipur, who have played three matches in the qualifying stage of the tournament, looked in better shape and controlled proceedings much better than their opponents.
With West Bengal and Tamil Nadu also in their group, Punjab have a difficult task of progressing from the quarter-final stage.
However, Punjab coach Jagbir Singh was not unduly worried with the defeat since they had also lost their first match in last year's tournament before going on to lift the title.
"We had started off in a similar fashion, losing our first match against Services last year. We are not worried much and we have two more matches to go in the league. Our boys played well in their first match today despite the hot and humid conditions and we should be able to make amends in our coming matches," said Jagbir.