Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis was delighted with the amazing performance of his team after a 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad in the ongoing Indian Super League on Thursday.
Alex Saji scored an own goal to put the Shers in front before the halftime break. Punjab FC talisman Luka Majcen then doubled the team’s lead with a goal in the 56th minute. Subsequently, youngster Shami Singamayum netted a stunning third goal in the 86th minute, becoming the youngest goalscorer in ISL history.
Ramhlunchhunga got a consolation goal for the Nawabs but the visitors dominated the whole contest.
“Our performance today was amazing. The players just didn’t let Hyderabad FC come close to our goal because of good ball possession, some patterns that we used to follow, and high pressing at the times that we should have done it,” Dilmperis said at the post-match press conference.
“And that’s why we created a lot of chances and many times we went close to the goal. We were a little bit lucky on this day. Previously, we were not, because the first goal came from a distraction with the ball. And instead of dropping in the second half, which usually happens to our team, the players went on with more aggressiveness, with more passion. That’s why we created more chances, and we finally scored three goals,” he added.
“It hurts me a little bit, the goal in extra time. We wanted some clean sheets for plenty of reasons. But other than that, all the congratulations belong to our players,” he continued further.
Punjab FC had 43.6% possession but took seven shots on target. The gaffer shared his delight after Shami Singamayum scored a fine goal and hailed the club for promoting young talent in the country.
“But I think it’s a historical moment for the club. And I would say a historical moment for India, with a little humbleness from myself. Suddenly, you can easily see that healthy, well-trained, good, and safe bodies—young players, 17-18 year-olds—are playing. They are coming from the academies. It’s a huge thing,” the head coach stated.
“And I’m really proud of my club because my club started five years ago by bringing young players from all over India, educating them. They went to school. They have good teachers, first and foremost, who make them good athletes, and then we try to make them good football players. This is a big advantage for Indian football, and I think that we should all celebrate today.”
“I want to talk about Sami. We needed someone at this moment in the game to mark (Andrei) Alba. He can do it. We trust him 100%,” he commented.
Punjab FC will play their last match of the season against Mohammedan SC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Monday.
