Punjab FC opened their 134th IndianOil Durand Cup campaign with a dramatic 2-1 win over Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (KAMSFC), while Namdhari FC climbed to the top of Group A with a 4-2 triumph over Indian Air Force FT on Saturday.
In a tightly contested Group D clash at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar, Indian Super League outfit Punjab FC had to come from behind to edge past KAMSFC. The underdogs stunned the Shers with a 69th-minute strike from Nigerian forward Joseph Olaleye, who latched onto a long ball from Victor Jackson and calmly chipped it past a stranded Ravi Kumar from outside the box.
However, Punjab FC responded swiftly. Substitute Shami delivered a pinpoint corner in the 73rd minute, and defender Pramveer rose highest to head home the equaliser. With the match seemingly heading for a draw, a moment of brilliance from Muhammed Uvais sealed the tie in stoppage time. His well-measured cross from the left found Konsam Sanathoi Singh unmarked, and the midfielder smashed in the winner in the 90+2 minute, sending the Punjab bench into raptures.
The win marks a positive start to the tournament for head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, who fielded a youthful XI and handed debuts to Vishal Yadav and Uvais. Punjab will next face ITBP FT on August 6 in their second Group D fixture.
Karbi Anglong, meanwhile, ended their Durand Cup campaign without a win despite spirited performances, including a missed penalty in the first half when Lunminlen Haokip fired wide after a handball inside the box.
Namdhari FC overpower Indian Air Force FT to go top of Group A
At the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, Namdhari FC continued their impressive run in Group A with a commanding 4-2 win over Indian Air Force FT.
The Airmen took an early lead through Samuel K in the 7th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse. But Namdhari regrouped and equalised through a penalty by Brazilian striker Cledson Dasilva in the 37th minute after a handball inside the box. Amandeep Singh added another just before halftime with a fine solo effort to make it 2-1.
The second half saw Namdhari asserting control, with Dharmpreet Singh slotting home in the 60th minute following a slick team move. Substitute Seilenthang Lotjem added the fourth in the 74th minute with a clinical finish from close range. Though Sankit pulled one back for the Air Force in the 78th minute, it proved to be a mere consolation.
Namdhari now sit atop Group A with six points from two games and are firmly on course for a quarterfinal berth. Their next test comes against East Bengal on August 6 — a match that could potentially determine the group winner.
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