Croatia's Filip Mrzljak scored from a Luka Majcen assist in the 95th minute as Punjab FC edged out Kerala Blasters 2-1 in their opening match of the Indian Super League 2024-25 on Sunday. (Highlights | More Football News)
After 85 minutes of goalless action at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, the match came alive in the business end as three players found the net in the last 11 minutes.
The game seemed set to end in a drab goalless draw, despite efforts from both sides until the last 10 minutes of the contest and deep into the stoppage time.
It was a close affair until then, with offensive lines of both teams giving each other a tough run, stretching the backlines.
But Punjab forward Leon Augustine earned a penalty in the 86th minute that captain Luka Majcen converted into a goal with effortless ease.
Showing composure from the spot, Augustine slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, and it seemed to be enough to get Punjab the win.
But the home team struck back with great intensity, with Jesus Jimenez coming to their rescue with a timely equaliser in the 90th minute.
It came courtesy of an assist by defender Pritam Kotal. As Kerala flooded the Punjab FC box in numbers, Kotal’s low cross was nodded in by Jimenez to score the equaliser.
During the pulsating final minutes, Punjab grabbed the win with captain Majcen sliding in a ball to Filip Mrzljak in close range of goal.
The latter tapped the ball in and got Punjab ahead, with only a few minutes to spare.
Kerala Blasters struck back with the duo of Milos Drncic and Vibin Mohanan, but the defender’s strike at goal to bag at least a point for his side was overruled, handing a thrilling win to the visitors.
(With PTI inputs)
