Punjab FC beat Odisha FC 2-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Friday to clinch their second successive win in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. The Shers are now unbeaten in their last eight games when they have taken the lead first, winning six and drawing two.

A 27th-minute strike by 23-year-old Nihal Sudeesh and a late goal by Leon Augustine proved sufficient for the home side, who fielded the same starting XI as last week, to secure the three points. The Kalinga Warriors now have a lot of work to do to recover from their back-to-back defeats this season.

Punjab FC controlled the game, creating multiple opportunities thanks to their frontline, which comprised Nihal, Filip Mrzljak, Mushaga Bakenga, and Ezequiel Vidal. They breached the Odisha FC backline and interlinked flawlessly in the final third, continuing to pose a threat to goalkeeper Amrinder Singh.

Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis was a relieved man as his side took an early lead in the contest. It started with Vidal storming ahead on the left flank before chipping in a pass for Mrzljak inside the box. The latter showed great awareness to back-heel the ball into the path of Nihal, who dropped a shoulder, got past Odisha FC full-back Amey Ranawade, and sent the ball into the far-right corner of the net to give his team a step ahead in the game.

The trio of Nihal, Mrzljak, and Bakenga combined beautifully in the 47th minute as Punjab FC came tantalizingly close to doubling their lead. Nihal’s lateral pass was received and laid off by Mrzljak in the centre for Bakenga on the right. Bakenga had ample space in front to take a composed shot, but his effort didn’t trouble Amrinder much.

The custodian was constantly involved in the game, with Tekcham Singh testing him from a distance in the 64th minute. The decisive blow was delivered by Augustine in the 89th minute, as Ricky Shabong’s piercing through ball sliced past the defensive line to meet Augustine, who did well to slot the ball into the bottom left corner from the centre of the box, giving Punjab FC a two-goal cushion with just minutes of regulation time remaining.

This proved crucial when Odisha FC’s Ranawade and attacking midfielder Hugo Boumous applied pressure on the home side’s defence late in added time. Boumous’ brave shot from outside the box deflected off goalkeeper Ravi Kumar, resulting in an own goal and giving the visitors a goal that came too late to mount a comeback.

Key Performer of the Match

Nihal Sudeesh (Punjab FC)

Nihal completed 13 out of his 16 attempted passes tonight, making one clearance and creating a solitary goal-scoring chance in addition to his opening strike.

What’s next for both teams?

Punjab FC will play their next game against Hyderabad FC on September 25, whereas Odisha FC will square off against Jamshedpur FC on September 28.

Brief Scores

Punjab FC 2 (Nihal Sudeesh 28’, Leon Augustine 89’) – 1 Odisha FC (Ravi Kumar OG’ 90+6’)

For more updates, visit our match centre: Punjab FC vs Odisha FC

Related tags:

Odisha FC2024-2025Punjab FC Match Report