Bhubaneswar: In an electrifying encounter at the Kalinga Stadium, Punjab FC (PFC) and Chennaiyin FC played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in their inaugural match of Group C in the Kalinga Super Cup. The exciting clash saw early goals, stellar saves, and a double expulsion, ending with both teams securing a point each.
PFC Head Coach Staikos Vergetis adopted a strategic 4-4-2 formation for his team’s starting lineup, featuring Captain Luka Majcen and Wilmar Jordan Gil in the forward positions. The game kicked off with PFC taking an early lead in the fourth minute, courtesy of Wilmar Jordan Gil’s goal. However, Chennaiyin FC bounced back in the 81st minute with a Jordan Murray header, leveling the score. The match witnessed high drama as both teams were reduced to ten men, with Amarjit Singh Kiyam (PFC) and Rafael Crivellaro (Chennaiyin FC) receiving red cards.
Despite being a man down, PFC displayed resilience, pressuring the Chennaiyin defence and creating opportunities. The opening goal came from a well-executed play initiated by Nikhil Prabhu, resulting in Wilmar Jordan Gil finding the back of the net. Chennaiyin FC fought back, with Jordan Murray testing PFC’s goalkeeper Kiran Limbu in the 11th minute.
The first half saw intense battles, with Amarjit Singh Kiyam controversially shown a red card, leading to altercations involving Head Coach Staikos Vergetis and Nikolaos Tsagkatakis from the bench.
In the second half, both teams faced challenges with ten players each, and PFC made strategic substitutions, introducing Khaimingthang Lhungdim and Krishnananda Singh. The resilient PFC defence thwarted Chennaiyin’s attacks, and Ricky Shabong’s long-range effort was saved by the Chennaiyin keeper.
The match took another turn when Rafael Crivellaro received his second yellow card, leaving both teams with ten players on the field. Chennaiyin FC managed to secure the equalizer in the 81st minute through Jordan Murray. Despite a late chance for PFC in injury time, the match concluded with a 1-1 draw.
Punjab FC is set to face Mumbai City FC in their next group match on January 16th, anticipating another thrilling encounter in the Kalinga Super Cup.