Punjab FC, also known as “The Shers”, returned to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN) after a year, playing their first home game against Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Friday night. The stadium was brightly lit, visible from 2 kilometres away. During the entry, the officials and ISL volunteers were ready to welcome the fans, but unfortunately, only a few turned up for Punjab FC’s first home game.
Despite being one of the largest football stadiums and the home of the national football team, the JLN Stadium was nearly 80 percent empty during Punjab FC’s inaugural home match. However, the minimal support helped Punjab FC win the match 2-1 against Odisha FC at JLN Stadium.
Nihal Sudeesh’s goal in the 28th minute sparked some cheer among the sparse crowd. There were a few hopeful, hardcore supporters of the Punjab-based club, chanting “Go Punjab FC” in the stands. However, many fans left after half-time, while the die-hard ones stayed behind, continuing to support the team with their chants. The excitement in the crowd peaked when Leon Augustine scored a brilliant goal after making a run into the penalty box in the 89th minute. He celebrated his win with the fans running towards them.
Nihal Sudeesh pays tribute to Captain Luka Majcen
Nihal Sudeesh, Punjab FC’s lone goal scorer, celebrated in a unique fashion, paying tribute to captain Luka Majcen. After scoring, he held up Majcen’s jersey, displaying his name as a mark of respect for the captain, who was injured in the previous match against Kerala Blasters in Kochi, where Punjab FC clinched a thrilling 2-1 victory in the final minutes.
Strong First Half for Punjab FC
Punjab FC played well in the first half, creating numerous chances in the box. They managed five shots, with three on target. Although they didn’t create many opportunities in the second half, with only three shots, they dominated possession throughout the match. In the 78th minute, Asmir Suljić made a run, it was a one-on-one encounter with Odisha FC, but Amrinder saved the shot and his team from humiliation.
Odisha FC fails to capitalise
Odisha FC struggled to capitalise on their chances, even in the second half. They repeatedly lost possession, allowing Punjab FC to make runs and attack easily. Though Odisha created some opportunities after the 70th minute, they couldn’t convert them into goals, the consolation own goal came in the 90+6th minute from Ravi Kumar, leaving Punjab FC to secure the win.
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