Punjab edge past Bagan to retain title Dream Sports C’ship National title

Panaji: Given that they were the defending champions, and the team that knocked out England’s Championship side Norwich City FC, Punjab FC started the Dream Sports Championship National Final as the overwhelming favourites.
Punjab didn’t disappoint as they defended their title in style with a convincing 2-0 win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Panchayat ground in Raia on Tuesday.
Playing under specially-installed lights, Punjab were helped by goals in either half from Subham Gurung (10th minute) and Ashish Lohar (64th).
The final result wasn’t a surprise.
Punjab played like a properly coached squad and had players who combined effectively. Nowhere was this more evident than upfront where Vishal Yadav, Sameer and Subham Gurung were a constant threat.
Vishal, in particular, was easily the most dangerous of the lot. The 17-year-old, third youngest player in Indian Super League (ISL) history to make his debut in the top tier of Indian football, was a cut above the rest, slicing open the Bagan defence with ease. When the defenders focused on him, the others slipped past.
True to form, Punjab started on the right foot and surged ahead in the tenth minute. Again, it was the attacking trio that did the damage with Subham finishing the move from inside a crowded box with a low drive.
Punjab were not content with just a goal. They pressed for another one, only to be met with stiff resistance at the other end as Bagan defenders, Aditya Mondal, Mahammad Sarfaraz and Jayanta Mondal, held firm.
In the second session, Bagan did try to fight their way back into the match with Bobby Singh and Prem Hansdak both trying to stitch moves together. Punjab’s defence though were unrelenting and restricted attempts from outside the box. Keeper Salik Sabbah had a relaxed evening.
The other end was busy. With Punjab captain Aniket Yadav busy spraying passes all across the field, the defending champions ended with 21 shots, 14 on target.
Punjab’s second came in the 68th minute through the boots of Ashish, a left back who caught the eye with some fine moves. When he moved up and found space inside the box, he finished with a powerful left-footer.
Earlier in the girls’ final, Jharkhand emerged victorious after securing a narrow 1-0 win against Odisha. Anamika Sanga’s proved to be the difference between the two sides