Punjab FC vs Chennaiyin FC Indian Player Ratings: Lhungdim, Laldinliana shine as Hnamte, Mandar falter | ISL 2024-25

Luka Majcen’s heroics lead Punjab FC to a thrilling comeback victory.

Luka Majcen wrote a comeback story for himself and his team, Punjab FC, who were trailing against Chennaiyin FC by 0-1 until halftime in a match of the Indian Super League 2024-25 season on Thursday at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi. 

Both teams started the game cautiously. After the 25th minute, Chennaiyin FC showed some attacking play, soon finding results as Wilmar Jordán broke the deadlock. The first half ended with a 0-1 scoreline. 

Punjab FC looked different in the second half. Luka Majcen scored the equalizer within the first 34 seconds of the half and added his second, leading his team’s comeback within the first three minutes. Asmir Suljic scored the third goal, assisted by Mushaga Bakenga in a counter-attack. 

Wilmar Jordán scored the second goal for Chennaiyin FC, but it was not enough as the referee blew the final whistle shortly after. The match ended with a 3-2 scoreline. Here are the player ratings from the match.

Punjab FC (by Parashar Kalita)

Ravi Kumar: 6.5 

Ravi Kumar, the goalkeeper conceded a goal in the first half. Despite this, he was not tested much in the first half. He made some good saves and collections in the second half, totaling three saves. 

Nikhil Prabhu – 6.5 

Nikhil contributed to the first goal for Punjab FC with a pass from the defensive half that found Filip Mrzljak, who assisted Luka Majcen. He also contributed on the defensive side, making three clearances, three tackles, and one interception. 

K Lhungdim – 7.0 

The defender Lhungdim assisted his team’s second goal with a one-two with Vidal and a brilliant pass to Luka Majcen, who scored with a straightforward tap-in to take the lead.

In defense, he made two tackles and two interceptions. However, he was substituted due to an injury in the 68th minute and was taken off on a stretcher. 

Vinit Rai – 6.0 

The midfielder had an average day, completing just 12 passes out of 17. He did not create any chances. In defense, he made two clearances and two tackles. 

Abhishek Singh – 6.0 

Got a yellow card in the first half but showed improvement in the second. Maintained only a 45% passing accuracy. However, he made three clearances, three interceptions, and two tackles in defense. 

Suresh Meitei – 6.5 

Mostly played on the right side of the defensive half. He was solid, with five clearances, one interception, and two tackles. 

Nihal Sudeesh – 6.0 

The left winger tried hard in the first half but was not impactful. In the 45th minute, he made one key pass, creating a chance for his team. He was substituted after the first half. 

Substitutions 

Leon Augustine – 6.0 

Came onto the field at the start of the second half. Received a yellow card for wasting time. Contributed to the defense as well as the attack. 

Ricky Shabong – 5.5 

Missed the clearance on the last goal scored by Wilmar Jordan.

Ninthoinganba Meetei – NA

Chennaiyin FC (by Aasif Ali)

Samik Mitra – 5.5

The goalkeeper conceded three goals on the night and didn’t make a single save. He did make two crucial punches to help his side in the first half.

Mandar Rao Desai – 5.0

The left-back had a very ordinary game and failed to establish himself.  He won two out of five ground duels and made six recoveries to help his side on the night.

PC Laldinpuia – 5.5

The center-back performed very well in the first half. However, Laldinpuia’s long ball was capitalized by the opponents as Punjab scored their third goal. Overall, the 27-year-old had a pass success of 82% and attempted 11 long balls. He was substituted in the 75th minute.

Laldinliana Renthlei – 7.0

The right-back was arguably CFC’s best player on the night. Dinliana made a good block in the first half and was involved in the attacks as well. In the second half, Dinliana failed to play to the same level, however his late ball into the box helped his side get the second goal.

Lalrinliana Hnamte – 5.0

The defensive midfielder made a good interception inside his penalty box in the first half. However, Hnamte was the culprit as he lost the ball, giving Punjab FC their first goal of the night. He was substituted in the 68th minute.

Farukh Choudhary – 6.5

Playing as the left winger, Farukh was quite involved in the first half and also helped his team defensively. His only shot came from outside the box in the second half and was quite easily saved by the Punjab goalkeeper. He was substituted in the 68th minute.

Irfan Yadwad – 5.5

Irfan took four shots on the night, of which one was on target. Overall, the 23-year-old didn’t look very comfortable on the wing having a pass success rate of just 58%.

Substitutes

Vincy Baretto – 5

He came on in the 68th minute and took just one shot, which was blocked. Overall, the winger failed to impress.

Jitendra Singh – 5.5

Jitendra was brought on for Hnamte in the 68th minute but failed to make a telling contribution.

Bikash Yumnan – 5.5

Brought on in the 75th minute for Laldinpuia, Bikash helped CFC’s defense by winning two tackles and making two important recoveries.

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