Ratings: Juan Mera shines as Punjab FC, Hyderabad share spoils

Both Punjab FC and Hyderabad FC will have to wait for their first win of this ISL season.

Another thrilling encounter in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 concluded as Punjab FC and Hyderabad FC played out a 1-1 draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

In the first half of the game, no goal was scored. In the second half, Luka Majcen had an opportunity to give Punjab the lead but his goal was ruled offside. Subsequently, Juan Mera, Punjab FC’s standout player of the day, managed to break the deadlock with an assist from Madih Talal, securing the first goal for his team.

In the closing moments of the game, Jonathan Moya of Hyderabad FC scored with a header (in the 98th minute) to draw the match and deny Punjab three points on the board. 

Punjab FC (By Gourav Samal)

Kiran Limbu – 6.5

Kiram Limbu had a decent game. He was threatened quite a few times but overcame them brilliantly.

Nikhil Prabhu – 6.5

Nikhil exhibited proficiency in his tackling abilities but occasionally failed to execute accurate clearances.

Suresh Meitei – 7

Meitei demonstrated a tendency to maintain possession of the ball outside the penalty area and displayed commendable skill in deceiving opponents while marking the forward players.

Nitesh Darjee – 6.5

Darjee was seen struggling during the first half of the game, but managed to elevate his performance in the second half by executing crucial tackles.

Khaiminthang Lhungdim – 6

The right-back relinquished possession on several occasions during the first half in attempts to ward off Hyderabad’s attackers from the critical zone.

Ashis Pradhan – 7

Pradhan formed a strong partnership with Amarjit Singh in the midfield and displayed great confidence while effectively intercepting the defensive line.

Amarjit Singh – 7.5

Amarjit displayed exceptional skills on the field for Punjab FC. He consistently generated a myriad of opportunities for his team throughout the duration of the match.

Krishnananda Singh – 6.5

Krishnananda had a disappointing game altogether as he couldn’t match his teammates’ game at any point. 

Juan Mera – 8

Juan Mera continued to create opportunities for his team and was ultimately rewarded with a goal. He skilfully scored the first goal of the match in the 83rd minute.

Luka Majcen – 6.5

Luka had two chances of scoring but both the times he was adjudged offside.

Madih Talal – 7.5

Talal demonstrated exceptional skill by providing a remarkable assist, leading to Punjab FC’s only goal of the match.

Substitutes

Brandon Vanlalremdika – 6.5

Brandon was brought on in the 63rd minute in place of Amarjit. However, he could not replicate Amarjit’s outstanding displays on the field.

Prasanth K – 6

Prasanth replaced Krishnananda in the 79th minute of play. He got only a handful of chances to prove his ability.

Leon Augustine – N/A

Leon replaced Juan Mera in the 85th minute of play.

Hyderabad FC (By Analoy Majumder)

Gurmeet Singh – 6.5

Gurmeet gave a consistent effort under the sticks. He made a couple of good saves and important collections but couldn’t keep the clean-sheet as he had to concede a goal a few moments before the conclusion.

Chinglensana Singh – 6.5

Chinglesana made a few crucial tackles in the final third and was successful in stopping the Punjab FC forwards inside the box.

Nikhil Poojary – 6

Nikhil Poojary made a number of good runs with the ball and helped the defence keep the opposition attackers at bay.

Nim Dorjee – 6.5

Nim performed admirably in defence, winning five ground battles and ensuring that Punjab FC players don’t get through from the flanks. Matched up nicely with the other defenders.

Petteri Pennanen – 6.5

Pennanen got along well with Joao Victor and Sahil Tavora. He made an effort to control the ball in the middle, was successful in setting up offensive opportunities, and was effective on both the defensive and offensive ends.

Mark Zothanpuia – 6

Zothanpuia was quite active in the midfield channel after making some useful runs and partnering effectively with his teammates. Worked well both defensively and offensively.

Sahil Tavora – 6.5

Sahil Tavora showed great control over the midfield today. He continuously won duels and snatched possession from the Punjab FC players; he also tried creating chances from there.

Joao Victor – 7

The skipper was superior today, both defensively and in attack. He maintained good composure throughout and kept the players around him at bay. He not only delivered lethal crosses from the middle but also showed great defensive leadership by making numerous crucial interceptions and strong tackles.

Felipe Amorim – 6.5

Amorim was quite effective in the attacking part of Hyderabad FC. He opened the chances of scoring playing alongside Knowles, but was left to convert. He won a few ground duels and also created a positive opportunity.

Aaren D’Silva – 6

Aaren tried finding a goal for Hyderabad FC today but was left to convert. His efforts went down as the match progressed. He was taken off in the second half by Thangboi Singto.

Joe Knowles – 7

Knowles had an excellent heat map today. He didn’t limit himself to only attack but also moved down to defend and won a couple of balls and tried constructing counter-attacks from there. Teamed up brilliantly with Aaren and Amorim to create offensive opportunities for the Nizams.

Substitutes

Mohammed Yasir – 6.5

Yasir did really well attacking wise after coming on in the second half. He created a lot of chances in the attacking third and paired well in finding scoring chances.

Jonathan Moya – 8.0

Moya was without a doubt the Nizams’ star substitute today. Following his substitution, Moya made good runs at goal and saved his team with a magnificent header in the last minute of play.

Abdul Rabeeh – 6.5

After entering the pitch, Rabeeh added additional inventiveness. Did an excellent job of controlling the game and gaining possession in the centre of the park.

Hitesh Sharma – 5.0

Hitesh Sharma came on in the 88th minute and added fresh legs to the team.

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