Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis was delighted with his team’s performance as they secured a 2-1 victory over Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Friday.

Punjab FC triumphed in their first home match of the season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, thanks to goals from Nihal Sudeesh and Leon Augustine, although an own goal from Ravi Kumar meant their clean sheet was wiped out.

While the hosts dominated the first half, Odisha FC appeared more lively in the second half but struggled to penetrate the opposition's defence. They managed to pull one back in injury time, but by then it was too late to mount a proper comeback.

Dilmperis expressed satisfaction with the way his side performed in the opening half and praised their organised defence despite Odisha FC's increased pressure after the break.

“We started the game (as) we wanted. Possess the ball and try to create chances and have a good defensive transition by not letting the opponent play the way they play because they do that very well. After scoring the goal, the team drops, which is natural, and we gave space to Odisha FC. It’s a matter of fact we addressed all their attacks without them having any (clear) chances. I think that there were a couple of shots. We had a lot of chances in the transition game; we should clean the game better,” he said in the post-match press conference.

Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera introduced Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Rahim Ali, and Ahmed Jahouh in the second half. Jahouh’s introduction made a difference as the team began to possess and move the ball better, but they struggled to test Kumar, who didn’t record any saves during the match.

Commenting on the goal they conceded, Dilmperis stated: “We dropped (back) because the opponents were more fresh (in the second half). Their coach (Sergio Lobera) at the beginning used three different players (in the second) and it was a great strategy from his side. It really arose them. That is why we made the decision that we would drop. There was no other way to adjust our runnings... And then around 60 minutes we would do our subs and stay fresh. And it worked. We dropped back, but the opponent still didn’t have (many) chances. This is optimistic for us.”

Mushaga Bakenga led the line for Punjab FC once again but could not contribute to his team despite having a couple of promising opportunities. This marks two blanks in a row for the Punjab FC captain, who is among the new signings in the team. Despite yet to open his account, Dilmperis backed the Norwegian to come good in the future and believes he is still adjusting to the league.

“Bakenga is a great player; he has played at the highest level,” Dilmperis said.

“He needs time to adjust himself. I think today he tried, but he needs to find his steps. We are here to support him. Not only Bakenga, but all players who need time to adjust to the new conditions. I trust him and I believe in him, and I'm sure that in the future he will score goals,” he added.

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Odisha FC2024-2025Punjab FC