ISL 2023-24: Kerala Blasters Stunned By Punjab FC In Kochi; Wilmar Jordan Gil Stars In First-Ever Away Win

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Punjab FC posted their first-ever away win of ISL as the newly-promoted side stunned Kerala Blasters 3-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Monday (February 12). Wilmar Jordan Gill starred in the win with a brace.

The Colombian striker (42' 61') rallied Punjab FC to lead after Milos Drincic gave Kerala Blasters the lead in the 39th minute in front of their home fans. Luka Majcen scored the third goal late in the game (88').

The home team created significant opportunities in the first half and used their overwhelming support to pin Punjab FC back. Local kid Rahul KP wasted a fantastic chance to draw the first blood when Daiksuke Sakai saw him inside the box and sent a precise spin. The forward had plenty of time to launch himself into the air, but his head effort failed to stay on target.

However, centre back Milos Drincic made sure the team didn't dwell on Rahul's lost chance for too long. Positioned forward for a corner kick, Drincic seized the opportunity to score in the 39th minute when opposition goalkeeper Ravi Kumar made a rushed clearance.

That happiness, however, was short-lived as Punjab FC quickly regained control of the match, helped by the new addition of striker Wilmar Jordan Gil. In the 42nd minute, the striker equalised the score by lapping onto a pass from Madih Talal in the final third, turning quickly to beat his opponent, and smashing the ball past Sachin Suresh. This was a great display of the forward's instinctive goal-scoring ability.

With Talal's help once more, the striker gave the visitors a tremendous boost and they overturned the deficit in the 61st minute. Since the Kerala Blasters FC defense lacked organization, Talal was unrelenting in his pursuit of pulling down a long ball inside the left side of the box and setting up a cross for Gill on the far post.

Once again, the forward hit the mark, giving Sachin minimal opportunity to make a save. The 88th minute spot-kick conversion by Slovenian attacker Luka Majcen eliminated any chance of a Kerala Blasters FC comeback. Jordan was unfortunate enough to be substituted out in the 75th minute, preventing him from earning a well-earned hat-trick while playing for Punjab FC.

The forward made three goal-scoring opportunities, finished 12 of his 13 passes, and had one interception. But his quick strike ability was the star of the show, as this brace will instill a great deal of confidence in the Punjab FC ranks for the next matches.