Filip Mrzljak’s strike helps Punjab Football Club log win in Indian Super League
Filip Mrzljak’s 95th minute goal ensured Punjab FC stun Kerala Blasters in Kochi with a 2-1 victory during their opening match of the latest season of the Indian Super League.
Slovenian striker Luka Majcen continued his goal scoring prowess, converting a penalty in the 86th minute to give the side the lead. New signing Jesus Jimenez levelled the scores two minutes into injury time, but it was Mrzljak who found the winner deep into injury time.
Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis lined up his team in a 4-3-3 formation. Mushaga Bakenga led the attack line supported by Ezequiel Vidal and Nihal Sudeesh in the wings. Nikhil Prabhu, Vinit Rai and Filip Mrzljak formed the three-men midfield. Ivan Novoselec and Suresh Meitei started as the centre backs with Tekcham Abhishek Singh and Khaimingthang Lhungdim as the wing backs.
On the other end, Kerala Blasters missed the services of Adrian Luna and in his absence Noah Sadaoui and Kwame Peprah along with Rahul KP and Mohammed Aimen led the attack.
Punjab FC played well in the first half but the match was mostly played in the centre of the field as both teams struggled to keep the possession of the ball for long periods of time. Mrzljak had the best chance in the half to score but the Croatian mistimed his header, sending it over the crossbar.
At the other end, the home side were unable to create any clear chances as the Punjab defence won the ball high up the pitch to deny any attacks. Suresh Meitei and Ivan Novoselec were also sturdy in the defence, being present at the right place at the right time to check Noah, Rahul KP and Peprah.
Stahre introduced Vibin Mohanan and Jesus Jimenez at the start of the second half, which changed the complexion of the game as the home side started to control the game with Vibin controlling the centre of midfield. Noah tested Ravi Kumar with a belter of a shot, but the Punjab FC goalkeeper parried the ball away to safety. The game came into life in the final stages as three goals were scored in the final 10 minutes.
Leon Augustine was pulled down by Mohammed Saheef inside the box and the resultant penalty was calmly converted by Luka Majcen. As the match moved into the injury time, Pritam Kotal whipped in a cross from the right wing to find substitute Jesus Jimenez.
Punjab FC delivered a bolt from the blue in the final minute of injury time as Filip Mrzljak found the winner stunning the home fans. Luka Majcen delicately diverted a looping ball into the path of the rushing Filip and the Croatian finished brilliantly past the defender and the rushing goalkeeper Sachin Suresh to ensure that they came away with the victory for the second time in a row in Kochi. Sudeesh was adjudged as Man of the Match for his brilliant display down the wings.
Team played in 4-3-3 formation
Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis lined up his team in a 4-3-3 formation. Mushaga Bakenga led the attack line supported by Ezequiel Vidal and Nihal Sudeesh in the wings. Nikhil Prabhu, Vinit Rai and Filip Mrzljak formed the three-men midfield. Ivan Novoselec and Suresh Meitei started as the centre backs with Tekcham Abhishek Singh and Khaimingthang Lhungdim as the wing backs.
