Despite two second-half sending-offs that saw Kerala Blasters finish the Indian Super League (ISL) clash against Punjab FC with nine players, they were able to eke out a 1-0 win at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday. Noah Sadaoui’s 44th-minute strike was the difference between the two teams.
The only goal of the game came via a spot-kick on the cusp of the half-time interval. Having received the ball on the left flank, Noah cut in and charged into the 18-yard box before Punjab defender Suresh Meitei put in a sliding tackle in a bid to halt the Moroccan-American.
Meitei did touch the ball but also made contact with Noah, prompting the referee to immediately point to the spot. Noah made no mistake.
For Punjab, Nihal Sudeesh was lively in the attacking third. Close to the half-hour mark, Sudeesh had an opportunity when he ran with the ball at full tilt, but his left-footed shot was straight at the feet of Sachin Suresh in the Blasters goal.
In the 58th minute, Blasters were reduced to 10 men after Milos Drincic got a second yellow card for a needless foul on substitute Leon Augustine outside the box. The centre-back’s first offense was a mistimed tackle on Sudeesh in the 22nd minute.
Punjab received another boost when Blasters defender Aibanbha Dohling was sent off in the 74th minute for a clumsy challenge on Augustine. But the visiting side was still able to defend resolutely and hold onto its lead for a valuable away win.
The result: Punjab FC 0 lost to Kerala Blasters 1 (Noah Sadaoui 44).
Published – January 05, 2025 11:02 pm IST
