Kalinga Super Cup: Punjab FC succumbs to late strikes from FC Goa
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Synopsis
In a gripping Kalinga Super Cup quarterfinal, Punjab FC faced a dramatic defeat against FC Goa with a score of 1-2. Despite taking an early lead through Pulga Vidal, late goals from Borja Herrera and Mohammed Yasir sent Punjab crashing out of the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Pulga Vidal opened the scoring for Punjab FC.
- Borja Herrera equalized for FC Goa late in the match.
- Mohammed Yasir scored the winner in stoppage time.
- Punjab FC played with ten men after a red card.
- Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made strategic changes.
Bhubaneswar, April 26 (NationPress) In a thrilling encounter, Punjab FC succumbed to FC Goa with a scoreline of 1-2 in the second quarterfinal of the Kalinga Super Cup held at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday. Pulga Vidal initially put Punjab ahead, but late strikes from Borja Herrera and Mohammed Yasir dashed their hopes, propelling the Gaurs into the semifinals.
Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made a single alteration to the starting eleven, bringing in Nihal Sudeesh for the injured Asmir Suljic. Luka Majcen and Filip Mrzljak returned to the bench after missing the previous match. Manolo Marquez, the coach of FC Goa, deployed his strongest lineup for this pivotal quarterfinal.
Punjab FC began the match energetically, with Nihal Sudeesh and Muhammad Suhail F. using their speed on the flanks to create opportunities. The first shot was saved by Hrithik Tiwari, who punched away Nikhil Prabhu’s deflected header from a corner.
Shortly after, Suhail managed to glide past Sandesh Jhingan, but no teammate was available to capitalize on the cross. At the other end, Muheet Shabir denied Borja Herrera in a one-on-one situation.
Punjab FC then altered their strategy, adopting a more counter-attacking approach, while FC Goa, featuring seasoned players, displayed a more intricate ball movement. Both teams were unable to pose a threat to the goalkeepers, resulting in a goalless halftime.
Punjab FC broke the deadlock 12 minutes into the second half with a goal from Pulga Vidal, following a dazzling display by Muhammad Suhail. The young talent wrong-footed Akash Sangwan on the right wing, and his left-foot shot struck the post, returning to the danger zone.
Pulga seized the opportunity and drove the ball past the goalkeeper, aided by a deflection off Odei Onaindia, marking his second consecutive goal in the tournament.
Despite fierce pressure from FC Goa for an equalizer, Punjab's defense held firm, thwarting any significant threats. However, their resistance crumbled two minutes before the end of regular time as Borja Herrera equalized with a skillful finish.
The decisive moment came two minutes into stoppage time when substitute Mohammed Yasir intercepted a clearance from Pramveer Singh, and his shot deflected off Ivan Novoselec past Muheet Shabir.
To compound Punjab's woes, they were reduced to ten men when Pramveer Singh received a second yellow card.
