Punjab FC wins 3-0 against Gokulam Kerala in AIFF Super Cup opener
Punjab FC began their AIFF Super Cup campaign with a dominant 3-0 win over Gokulam Kerala. Goals from Muhammad Suhail, Nikhil Prabhu, and Princeton Rebello secured the victory. Punjab faces Mohammedan SC next on November 2
Hyderabad: Three first-half goals ensured Punjab FC started its AIFF Super Cup campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC in their Group C opener, played at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim (Goa) on Monday.
Muhammad Suhail, Nikhil Prabhu, and Princeton Rebello scored the goals for the winners, securing all three points.
Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis opted for a midfield-heavy starting lineup, with Nikhil Prabhu, Princeton Rebello, Manglengthang Kipgen, and new signing Samir Zeljkovic in the centre of the pitch, while Muhammad Suhail and Ninthoinganba Meetei attacked through the wings. Bijoy Varghese and Suresh Meitei started in central defence, with Khaimingthang Lhungdim and Muhammed Uvais as wingbacks, while Muheet Shabir started in goal. On the other side, Gokulam Kerala head coach Jose Carlos named a strong lineup, with three Spaniards starting.
Samir Zeljkovic tested goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil with a long-range shot in the first minute, which was pushed away. The Shers took the lead in the very next minute, with Muhammad Suhail continuing his goal-scoring form. He cut inside from the left wing, and his attempted cross took a huge deflection off Gursimrat Singh and found the net, wrong-footing the goalkeeper.
Punjab continued to put pressure on the opposition, with Kipgen forcing a diving save from the goalkeeper. The resultant corner, taken by Princeton Rebello, was diverted expertly by Nikhil Prabhu, who found himself free inside the box to double his side’s lead.
Punjab scored their third goal two minutes before the break, with Princeton Rebello netting his first goal for the Shers. The local boy received the ball at the edge of the box from Suhail, and his right-footed shot found the bottom corner, beyond the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper. Punjab went into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Punjab FC will face Mohammedan SC in their next group match on 2nd November at the same stadium.
