In a match that saw Punjab FC dominate from start to finish, the team secured a 3-0 victory over Mumbai City FC in their Durand Cup 2024 Group C encounter. Despite Mumbai City FC’s resilient defense, Punjab’s relentless pressure ultimately paid off, leading to a comprehensive win that highlighted their superiority on the field.
The match began with Punjab asserting control early on. Within the first 5 minutes, they had already earned two corners and taken two promising shots, signaling their intent to dictate the pace of the game. By the 10th minute, The Shers’ continued to dominate possession, focusing their play in the midfield and orchestrating attacks through their wingers, who frequently threatened down the flanks.
Mumbai City FC, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm. Their first real chance came in the 15th minute, but it was squandered. After earning a corner, they failed to capitalize, and the opportunity fizzled out. Punjab continued to maintain possession and launch attacks, but despite their efforts, they were unable to find the back of the net.
As the game progressed, Punjab’s movements inside the box showed promise, but they lacked the finishing touch. By the 30th minute, they had repeatedly breached Mumbai City FC’s defense but couldn’t convert their chances. With halftime approaching, The Shers’ had a lot to ponder, especially given their dominance in possession and territory.
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The second half resumed with Punjab picking up where they left off, constantly pressing forward and creating chances. In the 55th minute, their persistence seemed to pay off when they were awarded a penalty after a handball inside the box by a Mumbai City FC defender. However, Luka Majcen, stepping up to take the penalty, lost his footing, sending the ball soaring high above the goalpost, much to the frustration of the Punjab faithful.
Punjab’s frustration was evident as they continued to press for a goal. In the 60th minute, Bakenga came agonizingly close to giving The Shers’ the lead, but he fumbled a golden opportunity inside the box. Just three minutes later, in the 63rd minute, Bakenga redeemed himself by heading in a well-placed cross from the left flank, finally breaking the deadlock and giving Punjab a deserved 1-0 lead.
The goal seemed to settle Punjab, as the pace of the game slowed down. In the 75th minute, Mumbai City FC briefly ventured into The Shers’ half, but their attempt was quickly snuffed out, leading to another counter-attack by Punjab. Despite earning their 10th corner of the match, Punjab failed to convert, a recurring theme throughout the game.
As the match entered the final stages, Punjab remained in control. In the 90th minute, Luka Majcen’s struggles continued as he missed two more golden opportunities to extend The Shers’ lead. However, in the 90+1st minute, Filip finally doubled Punjab’s advantage. Amidst a chaotic scramble inside the box, Filip kept his composure and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
The match was all but decided, but Punjab was not finished yet. In the 90+8th minute, they were awarded another penalty, and this time Bakenga stepped up confidently. He coolly slotted the ball into the net, securing a 3-0 victory for The Shers.
The final whistle confirmed Punjab’s dominance, with the team ending the match with 60% possession and an impressive 28 shots, 7 of which were on target. Mumbai City FC, in contrast, managed just one shot on target and struggled to keep possession, holding the ball for only 40% of the match. Punjab’s performance not only highlighted their attacking prowess as it secured their position in the top two of their Durand Cup Group, but also underscored the young Mumbai City FC’s continued struggles in this year’s Durand Cup as they end their campaign without a win.
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