Punjab FC Beats Kerala Blasters 3-1 in ISL Kochi Clash

In Kochi, Punjab FC secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in an Indian Super League match at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on March 21, 2026, extending their winning streak to three consecutive games in the city. The result propelled Punjab to fifth place in the standings with eight points from five matches, while Kerala remained rooted at 13th with just one point from six outings.

Punjab struck early and often in the first half, capitalizing on Kerala's disorganized defense and frequent turnovers in midfield. The breakthrough came in the seventh minute when Khaiminthang Lhungdim lofted a precise pass to Samir Zeljkovic, who chested the ball past advancing goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh and slotted it home for his first goal of the season. The Bosnian midfielder was instrumental again in the 18th minute, intercepting a misplaced pass from Hormipam Ruivah and threading a through ball to Bede Osuji. The Nigerian forward controlled it neatly before firing a left-footed shot beyond Shaikh to double the lead.

Kerala had a brief moment of promise in the 14th minute, as Naocha Singh unleashed a long-range effort that sailed over the bar, but their errors persisted. In the 38th...