Punjab FC kicked off their Super Cup campaign in style with a commanding 3–0 win over Gokulam Kerala FC in their Group C opener in Goa on Monday. Three first-half goals from Muhammad Suhail, Nikhil Prabhu, and Princeton Rebello ensured a comfortable victory for the Shers, setting an early tone for their tournament ambitions.
The match began with Punjab FC asserting their intent right from the start. Within the opening minute, Samir Zeljkovic unleashed a powerful long-range effort that forced Gokulam goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil into an early save. Moments later, the breakthrough arrived. In the second minute, Suhail cut inside from the left and sent in what appeared to be a cross, but it took a heavy deflection off Gursimrat Singh and looped into the net, completely wrong-footing the goalkeeper.
Punjab continued to press forward, with Kipgen testing the defense and forcing another diving save. From the resulting corner, Princeton Rebello’s well-placed delivery found defender Nikhil Prabhu unmarked inside the box, who calmly guided the ball home to double Punjab’s lead.
Gokulam Kerala, stunned by the early two-goal deficit, tried to claw their way back. Eduardo Martinez came agonizingly close to reducing the margin, striking the crossbar twice — one effort coming directly from a free kick. However, their resurgence was short-lived. Two minutes before the halftime whistle, Suhail turned provider, setting up local boy Princeton Rebello on the edge of the box. Rebello struck a precise right-footed shot into the bottom corner, sealing a 3–0 lead before the break.
The second half saw Punjab comfortably manage the game. Gokulam earned four consecutive corners in quick succession, but the Punjab defense remained resolute. Goalkeeper Muheet produced a fine save to deny Alfred Moya from a free kick, preserving the clean sheet.
The contest was effectively over five minutes from time when Gokulam substitute Trijoy Dias received a direct red card for a reckless high boot on Ricky Shabong. Punjab then switched to a low block, absorbing pressure and seeing out the match without further incident.
With the win, Punjab FC claimed three valuable points and will next face Mohammedan SC on November 2.
In Group D action, Mumbai City FC recorded a dominant 4–1 victory over Sporting Club Delhi. Jorge Pereyra Díaz opened the scoring in the seventh minute, before Vikram Partap Singh netted twice and Jorge Ortiz added another. Vikram completed his brace with the final kick of the game, smashing a shot off the underside of the crossbar to cap a comprehensive performance by the Islanders.
