Punjab FC beat Odisha FC 3-0 in Kalinga Super Cup
Bhubaneswar, Apr 22 (UNI) Punjab FC delivered a clinical and composed performance to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup, dispatching Odisha FC 3-0 in a one-sided Round of 16 clash at the Kalinga Stadium here.
Goals from Asmir Suljic (14'), Norberto "Pulga" Vidal (69') and Nihal Sudeesh (90') sealed the
result for Punjab FC, who capitalised on Odisha's poor finishing and defensive lapses throughout
the match on Monday night.
Punjab FC came into the game on the back of a difficult ISL campaign, having finished 10th with just eight wins. But they looked like a transformed side in Bhubaneswar, combining resolute defending with incisive attacking play.
Odisha FC, on the other hand, struggled to shake off their recent inconsistency — they had won just two of their last seven matches and were missing key striker Roy Krishna due to an injury.
Odisha were undone by Punjab's fast start. In the 14th minute, Asmir Suljic calmly slotted home the opener following a sharp exchange. Sulijic's combination with Vidal repeatedly exposed Odisha's backline, which looked shaky without the presence of a strong defensive leader.
The Juggernauts responded with a flurry of chances, but lacked the finishing touch. Hugo Boumous came close in the 43rd minute with a curling effort from the edge of the box, but his shot was tame and easily gathered by Muheet Shabir, who stood tall in the Punjab goal.
The second half saw more urgency from Odisha, but their forward line continued to misfire. Jerry Lalrinzuala had a golden chance in the 66th minute after a neat cutback from Amey Ranawade,
but he completely miscued his attempt, summing up Odisha's night in front of goal.
Three minutes later, Punjab made them pay. Vidal, who had been pulling the strings in midfield, shrugged off a challenge, turned his marker, and rifled a powerful left-footed shot into the far
corner to make it 2-0. It was a deserved goal for the Argentine playmaker, who orchestrated
much of Punjab's attacking rhythm.
Odisha, though determined to fight back, continued to waste their few clear openings. Their task was made even harder by a well-organised Punjab defence, with goalkeeper Muheet putting in a strong display, including a key early save with his right leg to deny Boumous.
In the final minute of regulation time, Punjab FC sealed the match in style. Substitute Nihal Sudeesh latched onto a through ball, coolly rounded the goalkeeper, and slotted it into an empty net to complete a commanding 3-0 win.
Pulga Vidal was presented the Kalinga Player of the Match award by Bijay Kumar Swain, OAS, Additional Secretary, Sports & Youth Services Department, Govt of Odisha.
UNI BM
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