Punjab FC go down to TRAU

Chandigarh, March 15

Komron Tursonov’s free kick in the 81st minute helped TRAU FC to defeat RoundGlass Punjab FC (RGPFC) 1-0 in a closely contested I-League match at Kalyani Stadium, West Bengal. Punjab FC played like they had a point to prove, throwing their hat into the ring in a bid to stay in the title race.

In the 5th minute, Bhutanese striker Chencho Gleytshen cut inside the box from the left flank and shot inches wide of the goal as TRAU survived an early scare.

The best opportunity of the match perhaps fell upon Tursunov in the 25th minute when he released a long ball straight on to the goal from the defence line.

With just the goalkeeper to beat, Tursunov’s shot was saved by Kiran Limbu. In the 33rd minute, Telem Suranjit Singh’s efforts from a distance almost gave RGPFC the lead. However, the shot rattled the post and came back into play.

After lemon break, both sides once again came to play. In the 68th minute, RGPFC’s Joseba Beitia found Papa Diawara inside the box. However, the Senegalese forward failed to make the most of the opportunity. In the 79th minute, Mohamed Irshad was shown a straight red card for his heavy challenge on Tursunov, who was clear on goal.

TRAU was awarded a free kick right outside the penalty box and the Tajikistani striker made no mistake in netting the ball home. TRAU, thereafter, changed its strategy and remain committed to defending the lead till the final whistle. — TNS