Punjab FC Dominates Kerala Blasters with 3-1 Victory in ISL Clash
Punjab FC Triumphs Over Kerala Blasters
Kochi (Kerala) [India], March 21: In a thrilling encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Punjab FC secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Kerala Blasters FC during Match 40 of the Indian Super League 2025-26 on Saturday.
This win propelled Punjab FC to fifth place in the standings, accumulating eight points from five matches, while Kerala Blasters languished at 13th with only one point from six games. Notably, this victory marked Punjab's third consecutive win in Kochi, making them the second team in league history to achieve such a feat. Samir Zeljkovic earned the Player of the Match title for his exceptional performance, as reported by AIFF Media.
Kerala Blasters' head coach David Catala opted for an unchanged starting lineup for the first time this season, while Punjab's Panagiotis Dilmperis made three adjustments, two of which were forced. Pramveer Singh replaced Pablo Renan Santos in defense, Bede Osuji took the place of the suspended Nsungusi Effiong, and Muhammad Suhail returned to the starting XI in lieu of Leon Augustine.
Punjab FC began the match with high energy, applying pressure on their opponents and forcing mistakes in midfield. Their efforts paid off early when Khaiminthang Lhungdim delivered a precise pass to Samir Zeljkovic, who skillfully controlled the ball and slotted it into an empty net, marking his first goal of the season.
Kerala Blasters struggled with possession, and Punjab capitalized in the 18th minute. Samir Zeljkovic intercepted a pass from Hormipam Ruivah and set up Bede Osuji, who expertly placed a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh, extending the lead.
Punjab continued to exploit the Blasters' midfield errors. Zeljkovic intercepted another pass and quickly fed Manglenthang Kipgen, whose curling shot hit the crossbar. Dani Ramirez was quick to react, heading the rebound into the net, giving Punjab a commanding three-goal advantage at halftime.
The second half mirrored the first, with Kerala Blasters still struggling to maintain possession. Although Zeljkovic's shot was saved, the home side began to find their rhythm, with Kevin Yoke providing a spark on the wings.
Kerala Blasters finally found the net just after the hour mark, thanks to Fallou Ndiaye. After a long-range effort from Naocha Singh was saved, Jai Quitongo recycled the ball into the box, where Ndiaye scored with a powerful header.
This goal revitalized the Blasters, who increased their attacking efforts, but Punjab remained resolute in defense. The only notable chance for the Blasters came from Quitongo, whose shot was comfortably saved by Arshdeep Singh.
The situation worsened for Kerala Blasters when Marlon Roos-Trujillo received a second yellow card in stoppage time, leaving his team with ten men. Ultimately, Punjab FC's three first-half goals secured them their second win of the season, while Kerala Blasters continued to seek their first victory.