Punjab FC beat Aston Villa FC 2-0 in junior league

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 5

Punjab FC secured a terrific 2-0 victory against Aston Villa FC on the final day of the Reliance Foundation Premier League Next Generation Cup-2024. The Mohali-based outfit earned a podium finish after win against Everton FC. They dominated their third-place game today right from kick-off and never gave Aston Villa a chance to crawl back into the proceedings.

Manglethang Kipgen put the side ahead in the 13th minute to continue his sublime run in the competition. The side is only the second Indian team after Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) to defeat two Premier League sides in a single edition of the Next Generation Cup. Omang Dodum gave the finishing touches to the game with a brilliant strike in the 35th minute to double Punjab FC’s lead. A poor clear by Aston Villa defender gave Dodum a chance to make a run towards the goal and found the net.

“The boys were calm and composed before the game and they knew what to do once the whistle sounded. The team studied the opposition and improved on both sides of the field in the first two days of the tournament and their victories in the last two matches was a result of hard work. They controlled possession effectively and excelled on both sides of the field,” said Punjab FC coach Shankarlal Chakravarthy.

Punjab FC’s defence was exceptional. Goalkeeper Ayush Deshwal saved plenty of on-target attempts by Aston Villa and demoralised their strikers with every block.

Earlier, Punjab FC showcased a stunning performance by defeating English side Everton FC 2-1. Punjab FC’s strikers delivered at the highest level as the team also won the penalty shootout to earn four points for the day. Everton FC won by a massive six goals against East Bengal FC. It was Joel Catesby again, who scored for the English club in the 11th minute. However, Punjab FC players held their nerves and produced a magnificent comeback to win the game 2-1. Manglethang Kipgen scored a goal in the 26th minute and Usham Thoungamba Singh iced the win with a brilliant strike in the 42nd minute.