KOCHI: Punjab FC secured a 2-1 victory against Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday, September 15, 2024, to kick off their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 campaign with three points to their name.

The game looked set to round off as a goalless draw, despite exciting efforts from both sides were unable to derive the required results until the final 10 minutes of the contest and deep into stoppage time.

Punjab FC attacker Leon Augustine earned a spot-kick in the 86th minute that skipper Luka Majcen stepped up to convert into a goal with absolute ease. Showing calm from the spot, the striker slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, in what seemed to be enough to get Punjab FC the win.

However, the home team struck back with great intensity, with Jesus Jimenez coming to their rescue with a timely equaliser in the 90th minute, which came courtesy of an assist by defender Pritam Kotal. As they flooded the Punjab FC box in numbers, Kotal’s low cross was nodded in by Jimenez to equalise and give a glimmer of hope to the Kerala Blasters FC faithful to push for a win.

A pulsating content ensued in the final minutes and Punjab FC took home the win, with captain Majcen sliding in a ball to Filip Mrzljak in close range of goal. The latter tapped the ball in and got Punjab FC ahead in the proceedings again, with only a few minutes to spare.

(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)