ISL 2023-24, East Bengal vs Punjab FC Match Report: PFC defense frustrates EBFC to a draw

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ISL 2023-24, East Bengal vs Punjab FC Match Report: Punjab FC held East Bengal FC to a goalless draw in Match 9 of the Indian Super League 2023-24 season played at the Salt Lake Stadium, also known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata on Thursday. This is Punjab FC's fifth draw of the season.

Punjab FC head coach Staikos Vergetis made three changes to the starting lineup with Goalkeeper Kiran Kumar Limbu guarding the goal instead of Ravi Kumar, 18-year-old Tekcham Abhishek Singh, who became the third youngest starter in the history of ISL in place of Madih Talal and Krishnananda Singh in place of Prasanth K.

East Bengal had to make a crucial change in the line-up after a 5-0 win over NorthEast United the other week as Nishu Kumar filled in for injured Harmanjot Khabra as the right back.

The first half started with the home side pressing the opposition for the ball and maintaining possession. The Red and Gold Brigade created half chances but the Punjab defense was solid culling out the danger in every move.

East Bengal players had to be content with attempts from outside the box, which did not trouble PFC keeper Kiran Kumar. Both teams could not create much clear-cut chances in the first half as both goalkeepers were not tested.

PFC were looking dangerous while going forward with Abhishek and Juan Mera looking lively, but the final pass was lacking. Juan Mera came the closest to scoring as his left-footed curler hit the post with East Bengal keeper Prabhsukhan Gill beaten.

The second half saw the same pattern of play from the first but this time it was Punjab FC who were showing more intent in the attacking front. But the away side was still lacking in the final third with attempts made from outside the box. The combination of Juan Mera and Abhishek Singh were looking good and creating trouble for the home defense.

The PFC gaffer brought in Madih Talal and Daniel Lalhimpuia at the hour mark and the French midfielder was looking lively. On the other end, East Bengal substitute P.V Vishnu dodged four defenders but his shot was wayward. The match ended with both teams sharing spoils.

Punjab FC have five points from nine matches while East Bengal FC have nine points from eight matches. Punjab FC will face Kerala Blasters in their next match on 14th December at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.