Defensive blunders and profligacy in assault have been recurring issues for Punjab FC in its meandering Indian Super League (ISL) marketing campaign. It didn’t present a lot enchancment on both entrance on a balmy Saturday night as East Bengal prevailed 3-1 on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in a contest between two groups languishing within the decrease half of the standings.
The Kolkata big seized the initiative within the fifteenth minute when it pounced on a defensive error from Punjab centre-back Suresh Meitei. With Meitei making a hash of what ought to have been an easy clearance, the ball discovered Dimitrios Diamantakos on the left aspect of the 18-yard field. Although the angle wasn’t excellent for a shot, the East Bengal ahead determined to take intention moderately than discover a teammate with a cross. It paid off as his try thudded into the again of the online by way of the legs of Punjab goalkeeper Ravi Kumar.
In the forty seventh minute, the customer went 2-0 up by way of Naorem Mahesh Singh. Just seven minutes later, the handful of East Bengal supporters contained in the stadium discovered their voices once more as Lal Chungnunga made it 3-0 by burying the ball into the online with a strong right-footed shot.
A stunner from Ezequiel Vidal within the 62nd minute helped the boys in orange pull one again. With the ball falling to Vidal on the half-volley on the sting of the field, the Argentine exhibited exemplary method to attain his sixth objective of the season. It was too little too late for Punjab although.
The consequence: Punjab FC 1 (Ezequiel Vidal 62’) misplaced to East Bengal 3 (Dimitrios Diamantakos 15’, Naorem Mahesh Singh 47’, Lal Chungnunga 54’).
Published – February 22, 2025 08:20 pm IST
