Kochi, Sep 15 (IANS) Filip Mrzljak’s 95th-minute goal ensured Punjab FC (PFC) stunned Kerala Blasters again at Kochi as the Shers walked away with a 2-1 victory and started the 2024-25 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) with a brilliant win at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday.
Slovenian striker Luka Majcen continued his goal-scoring prowess, converting a penalty in the 86th minute to give the away side the lead. New Kerala signing Jesus Jimenez levelled the scores, two minutes into injury time but it was Filip Mrzljak who found the winner deep into injury time.
Punjab FC were the more lively team in the first half but the match was mostly played in the centre of the field as both teams struggled to control the possession of the ball for long periods. Nihal Sudeesh, playing against his parent club was lively through the left wing, but his final passes could not find any PFC players inside the box.
At the other end, the home side was unable to create any clear-cut chances as the Punjab defence won the ball high up the pitch to deny any attacks. Suresh Meitei and Ivan Novoselec were also sturdy in the middle of the defence, being present at the right place at the right time to thwart Noah, Rahul K.P and Peprah.
The game came to life in the final stages as all three goals were scored in the final ten minutes. Leon Augustine was pulled down by Mohammed Saheef inside the box and the resultant penalty was calmly converted by substitute Luka Majcen.
As the match moved into injury time, Pritam Kotal whipped in a cross from the right wing to find substitute Jesus Jimenez who planted a strong header past Ravi Kumar.
Punjab FC delivered a bolt from the blue in the final minute of injury time as Filip Mrzljak found the winner stunning the home fans. Luka Majcen delicately diverted a looping ball into the path of the rushing Filip and the Croatian finished brilliantly past the defender and the rushing goalkeeper Sachin Suresh, to ensure that The Shers came away with the victory for the second time in a row in Kochi. Nihal Sudeesh was adjudged as Man of the Match for his brilliant display down the wings.
–IANS
aaa/bsk/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
