Despite being reduced to nine players in the second half, Kerala Blasters pulled off a hard-fought 1-0 win against Punjab FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday. Noah Sadaoui’s first-half penalty proved decisive in a tense encounter.
The only goal came in the 44th minute when Sadaoui was fouled inside the box by Punjab defender Suresh Meitei. The Moroccan-American forward had cut in from the left flank and surged into the penalty area before Meitei’s sliding challenge brought him down.
While Meitei got a slight touch on the ball, his follow-through made contact with Sadaoui, prompting the referee to award the spot-kick. Sadaoui confidently converted, putting Kerala in front just before the break.
Punjab FC had its chances, particularly through the lively Nihal Sudeesh. In the 30th minute, Sudeesh raced forward with the ball but saw his powerful left-footed strike saved by Kerala goalkeeper Sachin Suresh. Punjab’s lack of clinical finishing in the attacking third, however, kept them from capitalizing on their opportunities.
The second half turned into a test of Kerala’s resilience after Milos Drincic was sent off in the 58th minute. The Blasters defender received his marching orders after picking up a second yellow card for a reckless foul on substitute Leon Augustine just outside the penalty area. His first booking came for a poorly timed tackle on Sudeesh in the opening half.
The situation worsened for Kerala in the 74th minute when Aibanbha Dohling was also shown a red card for a clumsy challenge on Augustine. With nine men on the field, the Blasters faced relentless pressure from Punjab FC.
Despite being outnumbered, Kerala’s defensive unit stood firm, frustrating Punjab’s attackers and denying them clear-cut chances. Goalkeeper Sachin Suresh played a pivotal role, making key saves to preserve the slender lead.
Blasters coach spoke of the team’s resolve after the game: “The boys showed incredible character and discipline to fight till the end. It’s not easy to defend with nine players, but they rose to the occasion.”
The victory earns Kerala Blasters three crucial points and cements their reputation as a side capable of grinding out results under pressure. Punjab FC, meanwhile, will regret not taking advantage of their numerical superiority in the second half.
