ISL 2024-25: Punjab FC and Mohammedan SC Seek Strong Season Conclusion
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Synopsis
On March 9, Punjab FC will face Mohammedan SC in their last match of the ISL 2024-25 season at Kishore Bharati Krirangan. Both teams, having faced challenges, aim to end the season on a positive note.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab FC and Mohammedan SC are both newly promoted teams in the ISL.
- Punjab FC has had a better season with 27 points compared to Mohammedan SC's 12.
- Punjab FC aims for a second consecutive clean sheet against Mohammedan SC.
- Mohammedan SC has struggled to score at home.
- Both coaches emphasize the importance of a strong finish.
Kolkata, March 9 (NationPress) Punjab FC is set to visit Mohammedan SC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan for their last matches of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Monday.
Both teams are among the newly promoted sides in the ISL since its inception in 2023-24, with Punjab FC accumulating 27 points and Mohammedan SC 12 points from 23 matches.
Despite a robust start, the team coached by Panagiotis Dilmperis has seen a decline in performance, while their opponents from Kolkata have gained invaluable experience during their first season in the top division.
In their previous encounter, Punjab FC secured a 2-0 victory over Mohammedan SC and aims to become only the second team, following Hyderabad FC, to achieve back-to-back clean sheets in this competition.
Recently, Punjab FC celebrated a 3-1 away win against Hyderabad FC and previously claimed their longest winning streak on the road in the ISL, achieving three consecutive victories between February and March 2024.
With 500 duels won, Punjab FC is one of just two teams to reach this figure since the beginning of 2025 (the other being Jamshedpur FC with 551). However, their duel success rate stands at 45%, the lowest among all teams, indicating a need for improved focus in their confrontations.
Mohammedan SC has struggled offensively, failing to score in six of their 11 home fixtures this season and allowing multiple goals in each of their last four games, still seeking their first win at home in the ISL.
Defensively, they have conceded 10 headed goals in ISL 2024-25, the highest of any team this season and the third-highest in ISL history (following Odisha FC with 13 in 2021-22 and 12 in 2020-21). Punjab FC will likely attempt to exploit this vulnerability with lateral balls into the box.
Interim head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo of Mohammedan SC emphasized the significance of concluding the season strongly.
“This is the final match of the season, and we are determined to strive for a victory. We have faced challenges this season, but we want to show our appreciation to the fans with a strong performance,” he stated.
Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis of Punjab FC praised his team's adherence to their tactical approach in the last game.
“The players effectively prevented Hyderabad FC from approaching our goal through solid ball possession, adherence to our playing patterns, and high pressing at appropriate moments,” he remarked.
