Durand Cup 2024: Kerala Blasters, Punjab FC Battle to a Draw; Blasters Top Group C

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Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC played out an engaging 1-1 draw in a pivotal Group C match of the IndianOil Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

Punjab's Luka Majcen opened the scoring in first-half injury time, while Kerala Blasters' Mohammed Aimen equalized with a well-executed goal in the second half.

Both teams now have four points from two matches, but Kerala Blasters lead the group due to their substantial victory over Mumbai City in their opening game.

Blasters' Head Coach Mikael Stahre made one change to his starting lineup, bringing in Yoihenba Meitei on the right wing instead of Mohammed Aimen. Punjab FC's Panagiotis Dilmperis also made a single change, with Tekcham Abhishek Singh replacing Nitesh Darjee at right-back.

The first half saw Kerala Blasters gradually taking control after a balanced start, with both teams struggling to break through each other's defenses. The Blasters' attack, led by Noah Sadaoui and Adrian Luna, looked more threatening as the half progressed. Despite mounting pressure on the Punjab defense, Kerala Blasters were unable to capitalize on their chances. A standout moment came when Freddy's powerful 40-yard shot hit the crossbar, leaving Punjab's goalkeeper helpless.

Against the run of play, Punjab's Luka Majcen scored in the third minute of injury time. Beating the offside trap, Majcen received a long pass from Nikhil Prabhu, controlled the ball expertly, and finished with a side-footed shot past Blasters' keeper Som Kumar.

Kerala Blasters made key substitutions at the start of the second half, introducing Pritam Kotal and Mohammed Aimen. These changes sparked a more aggressive approach, with the Blasters not allowing Punjab's defense to settle. The equalizer came in the 56th minute when Luna passed to Peprah, who sent a cutting pass across goal. Aimen, left unmarked at the far post, tapped it in to level the score.

Punjab had opportunities to regain the lead, but Blasters' goalkeeper Som Kumar made crucial saves against one-on-one attempts from Luka Majcen and Filip Mrzljak. As the match progressed, both teams' defenses tightened, limiting clear-cut chances. In the final moments, Kerala Blasters nearly secured a win, but Freddy's header hit the post, ensuring the match ended in a draw.