Punjab FC stun Bengaluru FC 5-4 in penalty shootout to seal maiden Super Cup semi berth
Three first half goals handed Punjab FC a comfortable 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC in the Group C opener of the Super Cup in Bambolim, Goa, on Monday.
The Tuskers now have 16 points from seven matches, three clear of FC Goa who have played two matches less.
Bhat is the youngest among the probables shortlisted by the AIFF for the India under-23 squad.
FC Goa have been unbeaten in the last 10 games.
Never did Punjab FC embrace a defensive outlook despite their two-goal advantage, which is what perhaps helped them grab their third strike of the night.
Masih Saighani fired Chennaiyin into the lead in the 17th minute before two goals in either half by Martin Chaves (43rd, 71st) seemed to have handed all three points to NorthEast United. However, a late equaliser from Lallianzuala Chhangte (90+3rd) ensured the away side took a point from the match.
India now play Bangladesh in the summit clash on Sunday.
India have been drawn in Group A alongside USA, Colombia and Ghana. The hosts face USA on October 6, followed by Colombia and Ghana on October 9 and October 12 respectively at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
The win took the Highlanders to the second spot with eight points as they remained unbeaten from four matches.
Granada and Bilbao complete match suspended after supporter's death
A bright India provided hope for a brighter future but their dream ended in a heartbreak following a 1-2 defeat to Colombia in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
Midfield lynchpin Suresh Singh feels India would need to improve their final pass, but an improvement in department would not be enough against Colombia's all-round superiority.
Anwar Ali, at the heart of India's defence, will once again play a pivotal role in the match
India qualified automatically for the event as hosts. They have prepared well with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) sending the players for training tours in Europe and a tournament in Mexico but the home side are the clear underdogs.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Hosts India struggled on their debut as they were outclassed 3-0 by United States in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Group A match in New Delhi on Friday.
