Kalinga Super Cup: Punjab FC plays goalless draw with Gokulam Kerala

Bhubaneswar: Punjab FC (PFC) were held to a goalless draw by I-League side Gokulam Kerala FC in the final match of Group C in the Kalinga Super Cup 2024. Punjab FC finished third in the group with two points, while Gokulam finished last with one point.

PFC head coach Stychos Vargaitis made six changes to the starting line-up, replacing Khaimingthang Lungdim, Brandon Vanlalremdika, Suresh Meitei, Madih Talal, replacing Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Maheson Singh Tongbrum, Melroy Assisi, Juan Mera, Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Nitish Darjee. included. Luka Majcen and Mohamed Salah.

Gokulam Kerala head coach Domingo Ormas also made seven changes to his starting line-up for both sides in the final match of the tournament.

Both teams tried to control possession in midfield in the early exchanges, with Gokulam Kerala starting with better possession and Emmanuel Justin testing the PFC keeper with a shot from inside the box.

The ISL team gradually took control of the game, but were unable to create clear chances as Gokulam Kerala’s defense held its line and were denied space inside the box.

Maheson won the loose ball near the Gokulam box and his left-footed shot went just wide of the post. Both teams failed to create any further chances, completely canceling each other out in all departments.

Ricky Shabong was replaced by Ashish Pradhan early in the second half and later Juan Meraa, Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Maheson Singh were replaced by Luka Majcen, Madih Talal and Mangalenthang Kipgen to change the pace of the game. Gokulam Kerala had to replace their goalkeeper Bishorjit Singh as he was injured and was replaced by Avilash Paul.

The second half was similar to the first, with both teams struggling to find openings and the match being played mostly in the middle of the pitch.

Both sides were trying to play safe rather than take risks to create chances and open the scoring. Punjab unfortunately could not make use of the set pieces and Madih Talal came close to scoring from a direct free kick.

Gokulam Kerala were reduced to 10 men in the 88th minute and Basit Bhat showed tally orders for his second booking. Punjab FC tried to take advantage of the man advantage but Gokulam thwarted those attempts.

Malabarians could have stolen the game in injury time as P.N. Nofal forced a fingertip save from Kiran Kumar Limbu with a long range effort.

At the other end, Luca Majsen missed a chance to seal the win as his shot went the wrong way as both teams were satisfied with a point each. Melroy Assisi was named Kalinga Player of the Match in the defenders’ game, which saw the first match of the Super Cup end in a 0–0 draw.