WEDNESDAY, MAY 08, 2024
Team Herald
MAPUSA: Punjab FC played their hearts out to hold Sudeva Delhi FC to a 1-1 draw and qualify for the final Play-Offs in the Reliance Foundation Development U-21League match played at Duler Stadium, here, on Friday.
Both teams having 9 points each started earnestly though Punjab FC held the upper-hand.
Striker Muhammad Suhail sent couple of deadly crosses which were smartly intercepted by last line of Sudeva Delhi FC defence marshalled by U-23 skipper Prajal Tushir and wing back Joel Simon.
In the 35th minute, Sudeva Delhi FC’s best scoring chance went a begging with Punjab FC’s Manav Singh bringing a timely clearance to deny Jaideep Singh from scoring. The next 10 minutes, Punjab FC attacked relentlessly but Manglenthang Kipsen and Omang Dodum strikes were saved by Sudeva Delhi FC’s custodian Wahengbam Singh, while Yendrembam Singh shot skywards from close.
Just five minutes into the second session and Punjab FC broke the deadlock with Muhammad Suhail darting inside the penalty box dribbled past the rival custodian and scored, 1-0. Sudeva Delhi FC unit regrouped themselves and time and again attacked the rival citadel.
Jaideep header came off the crossbar, while Prajal’s strike was blocked by Punjab FC’s Omang Dodum on the goalline.
In the added time, Sudeva Delhi FC equalised where a corner was blocked by the keeper to find Prajal connect the ball home, 1-1. Having better goal difference, Punjab FC qualified for the final Play-Off.
