Punjab FC beat Inter Kashi 3-0 in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Monday.
Samir Zeljković, Effiong Nsungusi Jr and Bede Osuji scored for the Shers as they moved to 14 points from eight matches, consolidating seventh place. Inter Kashi remained eighth with 11 points from nine matches. Zeljković was named Player of the Match.
Punjab started on the front foot, with Bede Osuji central to its attacking play. Twice in the opening ten minutes, Osuji’s backheel flicks released Dani Ramírez inside the box, but Inter Kashi goalkeeper Lluis Tarrés reacted well to deny the Spaniard.
The host controlled possession, with Manglenthang Kipgen dictating play from midfield, while Nsungusi Jr and Osuji troubled the Inter Kashi defence. Inter Kashi threatened intermittently, with Tomba Singh and Narender Gahlot going close from set-pieces.
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute. Pramveer Singh won possession near halfway and initiated an attack down the left, finding Osuji, who combined with Nsungusi Jr inside the box. After a brief tussle, Nsungusi regained control and squared the ball to Zeljković, who finished with his right foot.
Inter Kashi attempted to respond before the break, with Alfred Planas and Sergio Llamas combining well, but Arshdeep Singh ensured Punjab carried its lead into half-time.
Punjab doubled its lead in the 51st minute after a midfield error. Ramírez drove into the box from the left and cut the ball back to Nsungusi Jr, who finished from close range.
ALSO READ: Chennaiyin FC eyes back-to-back wins as it hosts relegation-threatened Mohammedan SC
Punjab maintained control thereafter, pressing high and limiting Inter Kashi’s opportunities. Pramveer and Bijoy V. were effective defensively, cutting out passing lanes and halting counter-attacks.
The third goal came in the 72nd minute. Substitute Leon Augustine drove forward from the left and found Osuji, who turned inside the box and struck into the top corner.
Punjab managed the closing stages comfortably, maintaining shape at the back. Inter Kashi struggled to create clear chances, resorting to long balls that were dealt with by the defence.
Punjab nearly added a fourth in stoppage time, with Vinit Rai hitting the woodwork, while Ranjeet Singh Pandre was denied in a one-on-one.
Punjab FC secured a 3-0 win to stay within reach of the top half, while Inter Kashi will look to regroup after a performance where it struggled to convert chances.
Published on Apr 20, 2026
