Punjab FC kicked off their 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. In a game filled with late drama and intensity, Punjab FC managed to secure all three points, leaving the home crowd stunned after a pulsating final 10 minutes.

The match, which looked set for a goalless draw, came to life in the closing stages, with both sides pushing for a decisive goal. Punjab FC’s persistence paid off in the 86th minute when Leon Augustine won a crucial penalty, offering the visitors a golden opportunity. 

Team captain Luka Majcen stepped up to the spot and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, sending the Punjab FC fans into a frenzy. Majcen’s calm finish seemed to put his side in the driving seat, with just minutes left to play.

However, Kerala Blasters, backed by their passionate home crowd, were not ready to concede defeat. With relentless pressure in the dying moments of the match, they finally found their equalizer in the 90th minute. 

Defender Pritam Kotal delivered a precise low cross into the box, which was met by forward Jesús Jiménez, who nodded the ball past the Punjab FC goalkeeper. The late equalizer sparked jubilation in the stands as Kerala Blasters appeared poised to snatch a point, or even push for a last-minute win.

Just when it seemed the match would end in a draw, Punjab FC struck again during stoppage time. A quick counter-attack saw captain Majcen slide a perfectly timed pass to midfielder Filip Mrzljak, who was positioned just a few yards from the goal. 

Mrzljak tapped the ball home, restoring Punjab’s lead and silencing the Kochi crowd. With only moments remaining, Punjab FC held their nerve to see out the match and secure a crucial victory in their opening game of the season.

Kerala Blasters did not go down without a fight, launching one final assault in the dying moments of stoppage time. The duo of Milos Drncic and Vibin Mohanan nearly salvaged a point for the home side. Drncic unleashed a strike that seemed destined for goal, but his effort was controversially overruled, leaving the Blasters and their fans heartbroken.

The match had been a tight contest from the outset, with both teams creating chances but failing to capitalize until the late flurry of goals. Throughout the game, both sides stretched each other’s backlines, with offensive units working hard to deliver crosses and earn set-piece opportunities. Despite the intensity, the finishing touch seemed to elude both teams for much of the match.

Punjab FC’s late surge, however, proved decisive. Augustine’s dynamism on the ball earned his side the crucial penalty, while Majcen’s leadership and clinical finishing from the spot ensured Punjab FC had the edge. Despite Kerala’s late equalizer, Punjab’s quick response showed their resilience, with Mrzljak’s late goal ultimately sealing the victory.

For Kerala Blasters, the loss will be a bitter pill to swallow. After fighting back to level the match, their hopes of earning at least a point were dashed by Punjab’s late winner. The Blasters will take some solace in their fighting spirit, but the result highlights areas they need to work on if they are to challenge for honors this season.

Punjab FC, on the other hand, will be buoyed by their opening-day triumph, especially given the dramatic nature of the win. Manager Staikos Vergetis will be pleased with his team’s character and ability to rise to the occasion, even under intense pressure.

As both teams look ahead to the next round of fixtures, Punjab FC will be eager to build on this momentum, while Kerala Blasters must regroup and bounce back after this heartbreaking defeat.