Punjab FC move to second spot

Hero I-League

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 9

RoundGlass Punjab FC moved up to the second spot in the Hero I-League standings pulling off a thrilling 2-1 win over Indian Arrows at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium today.

A brace from debutant Papa Babacar Diawara ensured that Punjab picked up all three points despite a late goal by Arrows’ Vellington Fernandes.

The Indian Arrows made as many as six changes to the squad after its last defeat against Real Kashmir. Head coach Shanmugan Venkatesh brought in Vibin Mohanan, Harsh Patre, Gurkirat Singh, Vellington Fernandes, Shreyas Ketkar, Ahaan Prakash and Gurpanthjeet Singh.

Meanwhile, Punjab FC made two changes in its last squad, which clinched a 2-0 victory over TRAU. Head coach Curtis Fleming brought in Samad Ali Mallick in defence while handing Diawara his debut.

Punjab had the first opportunity in the fourth minute, but Joseba Beitia’s inswinging corner hit the goal post. The Indian Arrows broke away with Gurkirat Singh in the 8th minute, but Samad Ali had to put in a brave sliding challenge to stop him.

In the 16th minute, Bikash Yumnum’s long throw was turned on to his own crossbar by Tankadhar Bag. With goalkeeper Ahaan Prakash off his line, Punjab’s Chencho Gyeltshen attempted an overhead kick but Tankadhar made up for his earlier error with a brilliant goal-line clearance.

Indian Arrows had a golden opportunity to open the scoring on the 29th minute. Vibin released Patre, who could not send his shot past the Punjab keeper Kiran Kumar Limbu. A minute later, Punjab replied back with an opportunity, but Prakash was alert and reached a lobbed pass through the centre before Papa Diawara could.

After opportunities came for both sides, the opener came in the 35th minute as Diawara brought down Aphaoba Singh’s cross before smashing it past Ahaan Prakash in the Arrows’ goal.

Punjab immediately returned looking for the second goal, but RV Hormipam failed to turn his volley from Joseba Beitia’s cross. In the second half, Diawara almost doubled its lead but his volley shot went off target. Punjab kept on knocking the Arrows’ defence and reaped rewards in the 56th minute. Joseba Beitia found Diawara, as the latter powered his header from close range and doubled his side’s lead.

In the 87th minute, Fernandes reached substitute Abdul Hannan’s cut-back cross to pull a goal back. However, the score line remained unchanged at the final whistle.