Punjab FC beat Giravanz Kitakyushu 3-1, seal perfect RFDL Japan Tour 2026
Synopsis
Punjab FC have been ruthless in Japan — eight goals scored, one conceded across two games. Their 3-1 win over Giravanz Kitakyushu, sealed within 60 seconds of the second half, shows a side in sharp form with a high-press system that is punishing even professional Japanese opposition.
Key Takeaways
Punjab FC defeated Giravanz Kitakyushu 3-1 at Field C, Fukuoka on 17 July 2026 .
Goals scored by Omang Dodum (37'), Singamayum Shami (45+3'), and Vishal Yadav (46').
Punjab now have two wins from two on the RFDL Japan Tour 2026 , with an aggregate of 8-1 .
The side dominated with 57% possession , 10 clear chances , and 5 shots on target in the first half alone.
Shami's goal was his third of the tournament ; the third Punjab goal came just one minute after half-time .
Roundglass Punjab FC secured their second consecutive victory on the RFDL Japan Tour 2026, defeating Japanese side Giravanz Kitakyushu 3-1 at Field C, Fukuoka on Friday, 17 July. Goals from Omang Dodum, Singamayum Shami, and Vishal Yadav gave the Indian club a commanding win in their second tour fixture.
Key Developments
The victory follows Punjab FC's 5-0 demolition of Avispa Fukuoka U18 in the tour opener, making it two wins from two with an aggregate score of 8-1. The Shers have now scored in every minute of football played on this tour, underlining a lethal attacking rhythm that has carried over from domestic competition.
How the Goals Came
Omang Dodum broke the deadlock in the 37th minute, finding space just outside the penalty area and unleashing a thunderous right-footed drive that flew past the diving goalkeeper. An assist from Konsam Sanathoi Singh had earlier set up a chance that Omang narrowly missed before he made amends with the opener.
Punjab doubled their lead deep into first-half stoppage time (45+3'). High pressing forced a catastrophic error from the Kitakyushu goalkeeper, whose mishit clearance fell straight to Shami. The number 7 finished calmly — his third goal of the tournament — to send Punjab into the break 2-0 up.
The third arrived just 60 seconds after the restart. Bishu Sharma engineered a sharp attacking move, threading an assist into the box, and Vishal Yadav met the delivery with a sublime first-touch finish into the bottom right corner in the 46th minute.
Statistical Dominance
Punjab FC bossed the opening 45 minutes with 57 per cent possession, creating 10 clear chances and registering five shots on target. Giravanz Kitakyushu pulled one back in the 62nd minute, but Punjab's compact defensive shape and composed midfield management snuffed out any prospect of a comeback.
What's Next
The RFDL Japan Tour 2026 continues for Punjab FC, who will look to maintain their perfect record and build further match sharpness ahead of the upcoming Indian football season. Their performances in Fukuoka have reinforced their credentials as a side capable of imposing their style on international opposition.
Point of View
Eight goals, one conceded — Punjab FC's Japan Tour numbers are eye-catching, but the opposition context matters. Avispa Fukuoka U18 and Giravanz Kitakyushu are not top-tier benchmarks. The more telling signal is the system: a high-press that forces goalkeeping errors and a front line converting chances with clinical efficiency. If this cohesion translates back to ISL competition, Punjab could be a genuine contender next season. The tour is doing exactly what pre-season tours should — building match rhythm without the pressure of points.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Punjab FC's match against Giravanz Kitakyushu?
Punjab FC defeated Giravanz Kitakyushu 3-1 at Field C in Fukuoka on 17 July 2026. Omang Dodum, Singamayum Shami, and Vishal Yadav scored for the Indian side, with Kitakyushu managing a consolation in the 62nd minute.
How has Punjab FC performed overall on the RFDL Japan Tour 2026?
Punjab FC have won both matches on the tour, beating Avispa Fukuoka U18 5-0 in the opener and Giravanz Kitakyushu 3-1 in the second game, giving them an aggregate score of 8-1 from two fixtures.
Who scored for Punjab FC against Giravanz Kitakyushu?
Omang Dodum scored in the 37th minute, Singamayum Shami added a second in the 45+3rd minute — his third goal of the tournament — and Vishal Yadav completed the scoring in the 46th minute with a first-touch finish assisted by Bishu Sharma.
What is the RFDL Japan Tour 2026?
The RFDL Japan Tour 2026 is an international pre-season exposure tour undertaken by Roundglass Punjab FC, featuring matches against Japanese club sides. It is designed to build match fitness and tactical sharpness ahead of the Indian domestic season.
How dominant were Punjab FC in the first half against Kitakyushu?
Punjab FC controlled the first half with 57 per cent possession, created 10 clear chances, and registered five shots on target, going into the break with a 2-0 lead that accurately reflected their dominance.
