Kalinga Super Cup: Punjab FC Dominates Odisha FC to Secure Quarterfinal Berth

Bhubaneshwar, April 21 (NationPress) Punjab FC showcased an impressive display to sail past Odisha FC with a score of 3-0, securing their spot in the quarterfinals of the Kalinga Super Cup Round of 16, held at the Kalinga Stadium.

Goals from Asmir Suljic, Ezequiel Vidal, and Nihal Sudeesh ensured the Shers outperformed the hosts. They are set to clash against FC Goa in the quarterfinals on the 26th, who also triumphed over Gokulam Kerala FC by the same scoreline.

Punjab FC's head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis opted for an attacking 4-2-4 formation, placing faith in his all-Indian defense, which comprised Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Paramveer, and Abhishek Singh. With Muheet Shabbir guarding the goal and Ricky Shabong and Nikhil Prabhu coordinating the midfield, the attack was spearheaded by Muhammad Suhail, Asmir Suljic, Ezequiel Vidal, and Petros Giakoumakis. Conversely, Odisha FC, last season’s runners-up, fielded a 3-4-3 formation under Sergio Lobera, featuring Amrinder Singh in goal and a solid backline with Mourtada Fall and Carlos Delgado; their offensive lineup included Hugo Boumous, Isak Vanlalruatfela, and Dorielton Silva.

Although Odisha FC controlled possession initially, it was Punjab FC who made the first move, with Suljic testing Amrinder in the 5th minute. The Shers, maintaining high pressure and intent, took the lead in the 14th minute when a precise through ball from Vidal found Suljic, who adeptly chipped it over the advancing keeper to score 1-0. Punjab’s high pressing and organized structure kept Odisha on the back foot, and they nearly doubled their lead on several occasions. Suhail came close with a deflected effort in the 33rd minute, while Ricky Shabong saw his attempt saved after a fluid play involving Suljic.

Odisha’s finest opportunity arrived in the 36th minute when Dorielton faced a one-on-one with Muheet but missed the target. A minute later, Boumous tested Muheet again, only to be thwarted by a remarkable reflex save. Just before halftime, Suljic and Shabong combined effectively, but the final shot lacked power. The Shers went into halftime with a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

Punjab FC made an early change in the second half, substituting Ashish Pradhan for Nikhil Prabhu, yet this did not hinder their momentum. The Shers continued to pose a threat to Odisha’s high line with quick transitions and clever combinations between Vidal and Suljic. In the 56th minute, Vidal almost scored with a two-shot attempt, the second going just wide. Meanwhile, Odisha struggled with their finishing despite some promising build-up. Punjab's defense remained resilient, with goalkeeper Muheet once again rising to the occasion.

In the 69th minute, Vidal displayed his skill, dancing past his marker and unleashing a stunning left-footed shot from outside the box that found the far corner, doubling Punjab’s lead. The Shers adhered to their game plan, soaking up pressure, maintaining compactness, and waiting for their opportunity. Odisha’s mistakes in the final third persisted, while Punjab exhibited discipline. As the match approached its final moments, Odisha pressed hard but were consistently thwarted by the Shers’ all-Indian defense.

In the 90th minute, the Shers concluded the match in style. Substitute Manglenthang Kipgen delivered a perfectly timed ball from the halfway line to Nihal Sudeesh, who coolly beat the keeper to net Punjab’s third of the evening. Punjab FC continued to search for a fourth in stoppage time. At the final whistle, it was a thoroughly dominant performance from Dilmperis’ squad, allowing them to advance to the quarterfinals.