IMAGE: Punjab FC’s Vanlalremdika in action alongside Odisha FC’s Roy Krishna during the Indian Super League fixture at the JLN Stadium, New Delhi. Photograph: Indian Super League

Punjab FC secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Odisha FC on Friday, thanks to goals from Nihal Sudeesh and Leon Augustine, marking their second consecutive win in the ongoing Indian Super League season. This win extends Punjab FC’s unbeaten streak to eight games when they score first, having won six and drawn two of those matches.

Nihal Sudeesh, a promising 23-year-old forward, opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a well-placed shot that evaded Odisha FC’s defensive setup. Leon Augustine later sealed the win with a crucial late goal, adding to the home side’s growing confidence. Despite their best efforts, Odisha FC struggled to break their losing streak, now facing back-to-back defeats in this season.

Throughout the match, Punjab FC demonstrated their dominance, creating multiple scoring opportunities. Their attacking quartet, consisting of Nihal Sudeesh, Filip Mrzljak, Mushaga Bakenga, and Ezequiel Vidal, consistently breached Odisha FC’s defenses and kept goalkeeper Amrinder Singh on high alert.

Panagiotis Dilmperis, head coach of Punjab FC, was visibly relieved as his team took an early lead. The opening goal materialized when Ezequiel Vidal advanced on the left flank, delivering a precise pass to Mrzljak inside the box. Mrzljak skillfully back-heeled the ball to Nihal, who then outmaneuvered full-back Amey Ranawade and placed the ball into the far right corner of the net.

In the 47th minute, the synergy between Nihal, Mrzljak, and Bakenga was evident again as they nearly doubled their lead. Nihal’s lateral pass was expertly received by Mrzljak and laid off for Bakenga, who found himself with ample space. However, Bakenga’s shot did not significantly challenge Amrinder Singh.

Punjab FC maintained their pressure with Tekcham Singh testing Amrinder from distance in the 64th minute. The final and decisive goal came in the 89th minute when Ricky Shabong delivered a piercing through ball that sliced past Odisha’s defensive line. Leon Augustine capitalized on this opportunity, slotting the ball into the bottom left corner from the center of the box, providing Punjab FC with a two-goal advantage as regulation time waned.

Odisha FC attempted to mount a comeback during added time with Amey Ranawade and attacking midfielder Hugo Boumous pushing hard against Punjab’s defense. Boumous’ powerful shot from outside the box deflected off goalkeeper Ravi Kumar, resulting in an own goal. Despite this late scare, Punjab FC held on to their lead and secured a well-earned victory.