Punjab FC Dominates Odisha FC to Advance in Kalinga Super Cup

Punjab FC Secures Quarterfinal Spot with 3-0 Victory

New Delhi [India] April 22: Punjab FC showcased an impressive performance, defeating Odisha FC 3-0 to secure their place in the quarterfinals of the Kalinga Super Cup (KSC) during the Round of 16 match held at Kalinga Stadium on Monday, according to the official ISL website.

The Shers outperformed the hosts with goals from Nihal Sudeesh, Ezequiel Vidal, and Asmir Suljic. They are set to face FC Goa in the quarterfinals on April 26, who also won their match against Gokulam Kerala FC with a similar scoreline.

Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis opted for an aggressive 4-2-4 formation, relying on an all-Indian defensive lineup consisting of Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Paramveer, and Abhishek Singh.

With Muheet Shabbir guarding the goal and Ricky Shabong alongside Nikhil Prabhu in midfield, the attack was spearheaded by Muhammad Suhail, Asmir Suljic, Ezequiel Vidal, and Petros Giakoumakis.

Odisha FC, last season's runners-up, set up in a 3-4-3 formation under coach Sergio Lobera, featuring Amrinder Singh in goal and a solid defense with Mourtada Fall and Carlos Delgado, while their attack included Hugo Boumous, Isak Vanlalruatfela, and Dorielton Silva.

Although Odisha FC controlled possession early in the match, it was Punjab FC that made the first significant move, with Suljic testing Amrinder in the 5th minute. The Shers took the lead in the 14th minute.

A precise through ball from Vidal found Suljic, who skillfully lifted it over the advancing goalkeeper to score the opening goal. Punjab FC's high pressing and organized formation kept Odisha FC at bay, and they nearly increased their lead several times. Suhail came close with a deflected shot in the 33rd minute, while Ricky Shabong's attempt was saved after a well-coordinated play involving Suljic.

Odisha FC's best opportunity came in the 36th minute when Dorielton was one-on-one with Muheet but failed to convert. A minute later, Boumous tested Muheet again, only to be denied by a remarkable reflex save.

Just before halftime, Suljic and Shabong combined effectively, but the final shot lacked power. The Shers went into the break with a well-deserved 1-0 lead.

Punjab FC made an early substitution in the second half, bringing on Ashish Pradhan for Nikhil Prabhu, but this did not hinder their momentum.

The Shers continued to threaten Odisha's high defensive line with quick transitions and clever combinations between Vidal and Suljic.

In the 56th minute, Vidal nearly scored with a two-shot attempt, the second of which went just wide. Meanwhile, Odisha struggled to finish their promising plays, with Punjab's defense holding firm and goalkeeper Muheet stepping up when needed.

In the 69th minute, Vidal showcased his skill, evading his marker and firing a stunning left-footed shot from outside the box that found the far corner, doubling Punjab FC's advantage.

From that point, the Shers adhered to their strategy, absorbing pressure, maintaining their compact shape, and waiting for their chances. As the match neared its conclusion, Odisha FC pressed hard but were consistently thwarted by Punjab's all-Indian defense.

In the 90th minute, the Shers capped off their victory in style. Substitute Manglenthang Kipgen delivered a perfectly timed pass from the halfway line to Nihal Sudeesh, who calmly beat the keeper and scored Punjab FC's third goal of the night.

The Shers continued to push for a fourth goal even during stoppage time. At the final whistle, it was a comprehensive performance from Dilmperis' squad as they advanced to the quarterfinals.