Next Gen Cup 2024: Punjab FC finish 3rd, East Bengal disappoint - Complete Standings of All Eight Teams

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Indian teams concluded their Premier League Next Generation Cup 2024 journey with Punjab FC clinching a remarkable 2-0 win over Aston Villa FC on the final day.

While Muthoot FA and East Bengal FC finished sixth and eighth respectively, Punjab FC secured a podium finish, winning hearts with back-to-back victories against Everton FC and Aston Villa FC. They dominated their third-place match from the start, never allowing Aston Villa to recover.

Punjab FC beat Aston Villa

Punjab FC's Manglethang Kipgen continued his excellent form by scoring a fantastic goal in the 13th minute. This made Punjab FC only the second Indian team after Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) to defeat two Premier League sides in one edition of the Next Generation Cup.

Omang Dodum sealed the game with a brilliant strike in the 35th minute, doubling Punjab FC's lead. An error from an Aston Villa header gave Dodum an opportunity to run towards the goal, where he showcased his impeccable finishing skills.

Coach Shankarlal Chakravarthy praised his team's calmness and preparation before the game. "The boys were calm and composed before the game and they knew what to do once the whistle sounded," he said.

The team studied their opponents well and improved on both sides of the field during the tournament's first two days, leading to their victories in the last two matches.

A Tough Day for East Bengal

Crystal Palace had an impressive performance against East Bengal FC, scoring seven goals past them. The Eagles' forward line worked seamlessly together, breaking through East Bengal's defence from both flanks. They overwhelmed East Bengal inside the penalty box, forcing errors and capitalising on opportunities.

Caleb Redhead scored twice while Matteo Dashi secured a hat-trick, completing it with a penalty in the 42nd minute. Sunil Bathala from East Bengal scored an own goal in the 20th minute. Jean Somade started the scoring spree with a header in the fourth minute. Debojit Roy managed a consolation goal for East Bengal in the 43rd minute.

Everton Dominant over Muthoot

Everton FC bounced back from their loss against Punjab FC by defeating Muthoot FA 6-1 through a comprehensive team effort. Striker George Morgan led with two goals, netting in both the fifth and 31st minutes.

Braiden Graham opened the scoring in the third minute, followed by goals from Aled Thomas and Joel Catesey in quick succession during minutes 13 and 14 of the first half. Callum Bates added another goal in the 16th minute, overshadowing Mohammed Enas' sixth-minute strike for Muthoot FA.

Next Gen Cup 2024 Playoff Results

7th/8th Place - Crystal Palace FC 7-1 East Bengal FC

5th/6th Place: Everton FC 6-1 Muthoot FA

3rd/4th Place: Aston Villa FC 0-2 Punjab FC

Final: Tottenham Hotspur FC 0-2 Stellenbosch FC

Next Gen Cup 2024 Final Standings

1. Stellenbosch FC
2. Tottenham Hotspur
3. Punjab FC
4. Aston Villa
5. Everton
6. Muthoot FA
7. Crystal Palace
8. East Bengal