Three first-half goals powered Punjab FC to a commanding 3-0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC in their Super Cup Group C opener on Monday.
Muhammad Suhail, Nikhil Prabhu, and Princeton Rebello were all on target as the Shers kicked off their campaign in style.
Early Pressure Pays Off
Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis went with a midfield-heavy setup featuring Nikhil Prabhu, Princeton Rebello, Manglengthang Kipgen, and new signing Samir Zeljkovic pulling the strings, while Suhail and Ninthoinganba Meetei provided width.
The Shers made an immediate impact. Suhail’s cross took a heavy deflection off Gursimrat Singh to wrong-foot Gokulam goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil in just the second minute.
Moments later, Kipgen drew another sharp save from Shibinraj
before Rebello’s corner found Prabhu unmarked in the box, and the defender’s neat finish doubled Punjab’s lead inside 15 minutes.
Gokulam Fight Back, But Punjab Stay Firm
Gokulam, rattled by the early setback, grew into the game as Eduardo Martinez twice struck the crossbar — one from a curling free kick. Samuel Kynshi Lyngdoh also forced a fine save from Muheet Shabir, but Punjab’s defence held firm.
Just before half-time, the hosts landed another blow. Suhail squared the ball to Rebello, who calmly slotted home his first goal for the club from the edge of the box to make it 3-0 at the break.
Punjab Shut It Down
Gokulam made two half-time changes, with Rakshit Dagar replacing Shibinraj in goal and Juan Carlos Rico testing Muheet with a powerful header early on. But Punjab’s backline absorbed the pressure with composure, repelling four consecutive corners.
Late in the game, Gokulam’s frustrations boiled over as substitute Trijoy Dias was shown a straight red card for a high boot on Ricky Shabong. Punjab comfortably saw out the final minutes, sealing three crucial points.
What’s Next
Punjab FC will look to build on their strong start when they face Mohammedan SC in their next Group C fixture on November 2.
(with PTI inputs)
