Daijiworld Media Network- Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Mar 7: Punjab FC registered a dominant 3-1 victory over Hyderabad FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, with 17-year-old Singamayum Shami etching his name in history as the youngest goal scorer in the league’s history.
The Shers took the lead in the first half courtesy of an own goal by Alex Saji, before Luka Majcen and Shami added to the tally in the second half. This win marked Punjab FC’s first-ever double over a team in ISL, elevating them to ninth place with 27 points from 23 matches. Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC remained at the bottom of the table with 17 points from an equal number of games.
Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made two changes to his starting eleven, introducing Pramveer Singh in central defense and bringing back Ezequiel Pulga Vidal after suspension. Luka Majcen spearheaded the attack, supported by Asmir Suljic, Muhammad Suhail F, and Pulga Vidal. Hyderabad FC head coach Shameel Chembakath fielded a young and energetic side, hoping to extend their unbeaten home run.
The game began with Punjab FC dictating play. Pulga Vidal came close to scoring early on, testing Hyderabad’s custodian Arshdeep Singh with a long-range strike. The Shers created numerous chances but lacked the finishing touch in the final third.
The breakthrough arrived just before halftime when Muhammad Suhail’s strike took a massive deflection off Alex Saji and looped into the net, wrong-footing Arshdeep Singh. The goal gave Punjab FC a crucial lead going into the break.
Punjab FC intensified their attacking play in the second half, creating a flurry of opportunities. Suhail was instrumental in setting up Pulga Vidal, whose shot was superbly saved by Arshdeep, and later saw his own effort crash against the crossbar. However, the second goal arrived in the 56th minute, with Luka Majcen scoring his ninth goal of the season. Suhail turned provider, delivering a low cross that Majcen clinically slotted past the keeper.
Substitutes nearly extended Punjab FC’s lead, with Leon Augustine rattling the crossbar with a brilliant volley. However, the moment of the night belonged to young Singamayum Shami, who became the youngest-ever goal scorer in ISL history in the 86th minute. The teenager latched onto a pass from Petros Giakoumakis and calmly slotted home past Arshdeep Singh, capping a memorable night for Punjab FC.
Hyderabad FC managed a late consolation goal, as Ramhlunchhunga’s stunning long-range strike beat Punjab goalkeeper Muheet Shabir. Despite the setback, Punjab FC had done enough to secure all three points.
Muhammad Suhail was named Player of the Match for his stellar performance. Punjab FC will conclude their campaign against Mohammedan SC on March 10 at Kolkata’s Kishore Bharati Krirangan, aiming to finish on a high.