Nihal Sudeesh has been outstanding in his performances for Punjab FC so far.
After clinching back-to-back wins in their first two games of the season, Punjab FC will look to carry on the momentum against Hyderabad FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.
Having embarked on a starkly different start to their ISL 2024-25 season, as compared to last year, Punjab has begun to develop a bit of a ‘never-say-die’ attitude to their brand of football, sealing thrilling wins with injury-time winners in both of their games against Kerala Blasters and Odisha FC so far.
Hyderabad FC, on the other hand, started with a 3-0 defeat to Bengaluru FC as the young side continued to explore and discover themselves under Thangboi Singto.
Yet, PFC Assistant Coach Sankarlal Chakraborty, speaking ahead of their game against Hyderabad FC tomorrow, reinstated that none of their early success so far has clouded their judgment, as the Shers anticipate a fiery contest.
“Hyderabad is a young side with some good Indian players who is coached by a very good tactician. We will not take tomorrow’s match lightly and it is going to be a very competitive game and we hope at the end of the match we continue our winning streak,” stated Chakraborty.
New Hunting Grounds For Nihal
Under Panagiotis Dilmperis, the Shers seem to have taken on a more aggressive approach, attacking with tremendous confidence up front, currently led by the addition of new star boy Nihal Sudeesh, who scalped the Player of the Match awards in both the matches so far for Punjab.
With his blistering pace and skilful footwork, Nihal has lit the left flank on fire for Punjab. The 23-year-old winger has sliced and diced through defences, and reaped the fruits of his labour against Odisha FC, calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net with finesse to score the opener for Punjab FC, as he continues to embrace life with the Shers.
“I’ve just put the work in, alongside the coaching staff to help me get better. Being with Punjab FC here in Delhi is quite different, compared to my time in Kerala,” stated Nihal.
“Kerala was my home, a comfort space for me. I miss it. Having been away from home though has surely helped me grow as a player.
“I’ve been able to observe and learn from all of our players around here, and being around experienced players such as Bakenga, Majlak, and Mrzljak, has influenced me and the team as a whole positively. Not just on the pitch, but off it as well.”
Result of Previous Meeting Between PFC and HFC
Last season, both teams played a 1-1 draw at New Delhi while The Shers got the better of The Nawabs 2-0 at Hyderabad. Thangboi Singto will have a very young squad at his disposal with Abdul Rabeeh and Ramhlunchhunga offering pace down the wings. Cy Goddard and Lenny Rodrigues will be crucial for the side with their experience.
