Kalinga Super Cup 2025: FC Goa Break Punjab Hearts with Stunning Late Double in Quarterfinal Thriller

Add as a preferred source on Google

Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Two late strikes crushed Punjab FC's hopes as they succumbed to a 1-2 defeat against FC Goa in the second quarterfinal of the Kalinga Super Cup at the Kalinga Stadium on 26th April, Saturday.

Despite Pulga Vidal putting Punjab ahead early in the second half, goals from Borja Herrera and Mohammed Yasir in the dying moments turned the tide in favour of the Gaurs, who advanced to the semifinals.

Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made a forced change to his starting XI, bringing in Nihal Sudeesh for the injured Asmir Suljic. Meanwhile, Luka Majcen and Filip Mrzljak made their way back to the bench. On the other side, FC Goa's Manolo Marquez fielded a full-strength squad for the high-stakes encounter.

Punjab came out attacking from the first whistle, with Nihal Sudeesh and Muhammad Suhail F. causing problems for the Goa defence with their blistering pace. Goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari was called into early action, punching away a deflected header from Punjab's Nikhil Prabhu.

Suhail soon produced a dazzling run past Sandesh Jhingan but lacked support inside the box. At the opposite end, Muheet Shabir denied Borja Herrera in a one-on-one situation to keep the scores level.

As the match progressed, Punjab FC shifted to a more counter-attacking approach while FC Goa focused on their possession-based style. Despite some promising build-up play from both sides, neither could break the deadlock before halftime.

The breakthrough arrived twelve minutes into the second half. Muhammad Suhail's clever footwork on the right flank wrong-footed Akash Sangwan before his left-footed strike rattled the post. The rebound fell kindly for Pulga Vidal, who fired home with the help of a deflection off Odei Onaindia. It was Pulga's second goal in as many matches.

FC Goa ramped up their efforts after falling behind but were met with resolute defending from Punjab. However, the pressure eventually told. In the 88th minute, Borja Herrera found space and calmly slotted the ball past Muheet Shabir to bring Goa back on level terms.

Just minutes later, heartbreak followed for Punjab. Mohammed Yasir, who came on as a substitute, pounced on a poor clearance by Pramveer Singh. His shot took a wicked deflection off Ivan Novoselec, leaving Muheet stranded as the ball nestled into the net for the winner.

Adding to Punjab's woes, Pramveer Singh was shown a second yellow card in injury time, reducing them to ten men and ending their Super Cup campaign.