Punjab FC delivered a dominant performance to beat Odisha FC 3-0 and secure a spot in the Kalinga Super Cup quarterfinals. Asmir Suljic, Ezequiel Vidal, and Nihal Sudeesh scored to help the Shers advance. They will now face FC Goa in the quarterfinals on the 26th, who also won 3-0 against Gokulam Kerala FC.

Tactical Setup

Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis opted for a 4-2-4 formation. The defense featured Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Paramveer, and Abhishek Singh, with Muheet Shabbir in goal. Ricky Shabong and Nikhil Prabhu anchored the midfield. Meanwhile, the attack was led by Muhammad Suhail, Asmir Suljic, Ezequiel Vidal, and Petros Giakoumakis. Odisha FC, managed by Sergio Lobera, set up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Amrinder Singh in goal and a solid defense including Mourtada Fall and Carlos Delgado. The attacking trio consisted of Hugo Boumous, Isak Vanlalruatfela, and Dorielton Silva.

Early Chances and Punjab's Lead

Odisha FC had early possession, but Punjab FC made the first threat. In the 5th minute, Suljic tested Odisha’s keeper, Amrinder Singh. Soon after, Punjab took the lead in the 14th minute. Vidal played a clever through ball to Suljic, who calmly chipped the ball over the keeper to make it 1-0. Punjab’s high press continued to frustrate Odisha, and they almost doubled their lead. In the 33rd minute, Suhail’s shot was deflected, and Ricky Shabong’s attempt was saved by the goalkeeper. Odisha FC’s best chance came in the 36th minute when Dorielton was through on goal, but he missed the target. Boumous also tested Muheet, but the goalkeeper made a brilliant save.

Second Half Dominance

At the start of the second half, Punjab made a change, bringing Ashish Pradhan on for Nikhil Prabhu. Despite this change, the Shers maintained their momentum. The combination of Vidal and Suljic continued to trouble Odisha’s defense. In the 56th minute, Vidal had two attempts at goal, the second of which went just wide. Odisha FC, however, struggled with their finishing, even though they showed promise in build-up play. Punjab’s defense, led by Muheet, held firm throughout.

Vidal's Stunning Goal

In the 69th minute, Vidal produced a moment of brilliance. He skipped past his marker and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box that nestled into the far corner, making it 2-0. Punjab FC continued to play compactly, absorbing pressure and waiting for their chances to counter. Odisha FC, despite their efforts, failed to break through.

A Stylish Finish

In the 90th minute, substitute Manglenthang Kipgen played a perfect pass from the halfway line to Nihal Sudeesh. Sudeesh calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to score Punjab’s third goal. Even in stoppage time, the Shers continued to press for a fourth goal, but it wasn’t meant to be. The match ended 3-0, and Punjab FC secured a well-deserved spot in the quarterfinals with a complete team performance.