Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 22: In a commanding display at the Kalinga Stadium, Punjab FC stormed into the quarterfinals of the Kalinga Super Cup, overpowering last season’s runners-up Odisha FC 3-0 in their Round of 16 clash on Monday.
Goals from Nihal Sudeesh, Ezequiel Vidal, and Asmir Suljic sealed the fate for the Shers, who will now face FC Goa on April 26. Goa had earlier cruised past Gokulam Kerala FC with a similar 3-0 scoreline.
Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis deployed an aggressive 4-2-4 formation, banking on a youthful all-Indian defence and an explosive attack led by Suljic, Vidal, Muhammad Suhail, and Petros Giakoumakis.
Despite Odisha FC enjoying early possession, it was Punjab who made the first statement. Suljic tested Odisha custodian Amrinder Singh in the 5th minute before finding the net in the 14th, courtesy of a clever assist from Vidal.
Odisha threatened briefly, with Dorielton and Boumous forcing saves from Punjab goalkeeper Muheet Shabbir, but failed to capitalise on their chances.