Punjab FC Wins Development League Championship Despite East Bengal’s Fierce Comeback

Sayak Banerjee / 23-05-2024

In a tense match of the Reliance Foundation Development League, Punjab FC emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline against East Bengal. The first eleven for Punjab did not include Sain Banerjee or P.V. Vishnu. Aman Sikka had hoped to defeat Punjab with confidence in the gunplay, but Vinod George’s team fought back to take the lead within the first 10 minutes of the match through Omang. After falling behind by one goal, the game returned to the offensive with the resignation of Shamal Basu. The first half ended with a 1-1 tie.

From the start of the second half, East Bengal maintained the pressure. Joseph Justin put the team ahead from a corner in the 49th minute. After leading 2-1, East Bengal suddenly lost the game. Like in other matches, Ricky Shabong had already advanced them quite a bit with an invasion in the midfield. His sons also did the same today. Among them, the footballers of Dudal, who were caught up in trouble without any reason, scored in the 58th minute from a corner. At the 72nd minute, Harmanpreet surpassed Punjab with an extraordinary shot from long distance. From there, despite several attacks, East Bengal could not return. With a 3-2 goal, the Shankarlal’s sons won the final of the Reliance Foundation Development League, satisfied with the performance of runners.