CISF Protectors XI vs Punjab FC, Durand Cup 2024: Punjab begin campaign with promising start by 0-3 margin win

Add as a preferred source on Google

In Group C's opening game of the Durand Cup 2024 at Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK), Punjab FC, an Indian Super League (ISL) team, defeated the CISF Protectors. Punjab's victory was secured by two goals.

Two goals came from Slovenian striker Luka Majcen and a late penalty by Vinit Rai. Despite dominating the game, Punjab missed several chances, a point of improvement for their new Greek coach Panagiotis Dilmperis.

CISF coach Ajit Kumar set up his team with a midfield-heavy formation, while Panagiotis deployed Majcen as a lone striker, supported by a five-man midfield and a solid four-man defense led by Melroy Assisi and Suresh Meitei.

Punjab created multiple scoring opportunities early in the match, including a close-range header from Majcen in the 7th minute, which was saved by CISF goalkeeper Rajkumar Mahato. Majcen eventually scored in the 30th minute, capitalizing on a pass from Nikhil Prabhu and finding the net with a powerful left-footed shot.

In the second half, Leon Augustine had a chance to score for Punjab but was denied by another save from Mahato. Majcen added a second goal around the 60th minute, following a setup involving Prabhu and a cross from Filip Mrzljak. Mahato got a hand on Majcen's shot but couldn't prevent the goal.

Punjab's third goal came in the 75th minute when substitute Ranjeet Pandre was fouled in the box, and Vinit Rai converted the penalty, sealing a 3-0 victory and three points for Punjab.