Punjab FC began their Durand Cup 2025 campaign with a win as they came from behind to beat Karbi Anglong Morning Star 2-1 at the SAI stadium in Kokrajhar, Assam on Sunday.

The Shers started the game strongly but their positive start wore off after 20 minutes. Goalkeeper Ravi Kumar was called into action in the 29th minute as he produced a smart reflex save to deny KAMS FC the lead.

The team from Assam had another opportunity to hit the front when they were awarded a penalty a minute later, but they missed the chance allowing Punjab FC to go into the break on level terms.

Punjab FC started the second half well and came close to taking the lead in the 51st minute when they rattled the woodwork.

After a goalless hour, it was KAMS FC who eventually took the lead through Joseph Olaleyi in the 69th minute to stun the Shers but the ISL side needed just four minutes to restore parity when Pramveer scored with a fine finish.

The momentum was with the Shers as they pushed for the winning goal as head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis threw on Ranjeet Pandre and Konsam Sanathoi Singh.

Sanathoi repaid the coach’s faith as he netted the winner in the second minute of stoppage time to give his team a winning start to the Durand Cup.

The victory put Punjab FC level on points with Bodoland FC and Indo-Tibetan Border Police in Group D. Dilmperis’ side face ITBP in their next match on Wednesday before taking on Bodoland in their final group match on Saturday.

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