Muhammad suhail

Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium: Punjab FC went down by a solitary goal to nine men Kerala Blasters FC in a tightly fought contest of the Indian Super League encounter played here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday.

Noah Sadaoui’s first half penalty was enough for the away side to clinch all three points as the Shers could not make use of the last quarter having a two-man advantage. The Shers suffered their fourth straight defeat and remain on eighth position with 18 points while Kerala Blasters, with their second straight win, are one place below with 17 points.

Panagiotis Dilmperis named a starting line-up with 10 Indian players, Asmir Suljic being the only foreigner. Muhammad Suhail F was handed his first start in the ISL as the academy product led the attack along with Nihal Sudeesh and Asmir. Dilmperis continued with a five man backline for the second match in a row with Muheet Shabir guarding the goal. Ricky Shabong and Nikhil Prabhu continued in the centre of midfield with the latter wearing the captain’s armband.