Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC share spoils, Blasters go on top

by FC August 4, 2024

In a crucial Group C encounter of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup, Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC shared the spoils with an exciting 1-1 draw at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

Luka Majcen gave Punjab FC the lead in first-half injury time, while Mohammed Aimen netted the equalizer for Kerala Blasters early in the second half. Both teams now have four points from two matches, with Kerala Blasters leading the group due to their significant win against Mumbai City FC in their opening match.

Early in the first Half Luka Majcen gave Punjab FC the lead in first-half injury time. Majcen, showcasing his skill and timing, made a perfectly timed run inside the box, beating the offside trap to receive a long pass from Nikhil Prabhu. The Slovenian striker brought the ball down with ease and nonchalantly finished past the Kerala Blasters’ goalkeeper, Som Kumar, giving his team a crucial lead against the run of play.

Kerala Blasters, determined to bounce back, made strategic changes at the start of the second half. Head Coach Mikael Stahre brought on Pritam Kotal and Mohammed Aimen, which injected new energy into the team. Their attacking intent was clear from the onset, and they quickly began to pressure the Punjab FC defense. The equalizer came in the 56th minute when Adrian Luna set up Peprah on the left. Peprah delivered a precise cross that found Mohammed Aimen unmarked at the far post, who tapped in to level the scores.

The game continued to be fiercely contested, with both teams creating opportunities to take the lead. Punjab FC had two excellent chances within minutes, but the Blasters’ goalkeeper Som Kumar made crucial saves against Luka Majcen and Filip Mrzljak. As the match progressed, both defenses tightened, and clear-cut chances became scarce.

Kerala Blasters nearly snatched a victory in the dying moments of the match when Freddy’s header hit the post from a cross delivered from the left wing. Despite the near miss, the game ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams taking a point each.

With this result, both Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC now have four points from two matches. However, Kerala Blasters top the group, thanks to their impressive win against Mumbai City FC in their opening match. This draw leaves the competition in Group C wide open, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters as the Durand Cup progresses.

Also Read: Punjab FC Announces the Signing of Ivan Novoselec and Mushaga Bakenga

Also Read: Rangdajied United FC to be the Fourth Team in Group F

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