"I hope this serves as inspiration," says Punjab FC coach Sankarlal Chakraborty on win over Aston Villa in Next Generation Cup 2024

Punjab FC exacted revenge against the Villans in a flamboyant fashion.

After becoming the first-ever Indian club in the competition to win a game, Punjab FC went a step further and beat Aston Villa 2-0 in the Next Generation Cup 2024. Sankarlal Chakraborty’s boys went ahead and clinched yet another record with a second successive win. 

Once again talented trio Omang Dodum, Manglengthang Kipgen and Muhammad Suhail combined for the Shers’ opener. Kipgen picked up the ball deep and pinged a 30-yard ball to Suhail out wide. 

The winger burst inside with a flurry of stepovers before releasing Omang who caught the defender by surprise as he broke free with his first touch and was brought down inside the penalty box. Kipgen then stepped up with nerves of steel as he slotted home the resultant spot-kick, smashing his shot into the bottom left corner.

Punjab FC, after defeating Everton FC 2-1, now defeated hosts Aston Villa 2-0 to finish third in the Next Generation Cup 2024! What an achievement! 🇮🇳⚽️ #IndianFootball #PLNextGen @KhelNow pic.twitter.com/jWHBHyfD0G

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) August 4, 2024

Up next was Dodum who preyed on the Aston Villa center-back’s misplaced pass and raced the other defender to the goal as he finished past the goalkeeper. The Shers’ young cubs tore apart the Clarets and Blues while maintaining a resolute defense as they also attained a lucrative clean sheet. In doing so, they upped their goal difference to +2 and broke into third place, smashing another record in the process.

Sankarlal Chakraborty was extremely satisfied with his team’s performance as he talked to Khel Now after the game. 

Sankarlal Chakraborty on beating Aston Villa at home

After losing by a slender margin in their opening game, Punjab FC rallied back and rode the wind in their sails to beat the Claret and Blue by two goals. This time around, they even kept a clean sheet and the coach expressed his ecstasy while summarising what they experienced after winning:

“A great feeling. As I said earlier when we played Aston Villa the first time, the score was against us and we lost 3-2. But that match was one we should have won. As you can see now, with every progressing match, the players’ performances are improving significantly. That is a signal for Indian clubs and the country to allow more such players to have this exposure.”

On finishing third in the Next Generation Cup

The tactician’s side finished third in the Next Generation Cup which is another first for any Indian side in the competition. Punjab FC managed this feat owing to their superior goal difference as they scored six times and conceded only four. Mr. Chakraborty further elaborated: 

“Right now I was talking to the technical director of the club and got to know that India won another bronze at the Paris Olympics. For us, finishing third among eight top teams(in the Next Generation Cup) is a huge achievement. I hope that this serves as inspiration for every footballer and club in the country.”

On learnings as a coach and team 

Omang Dodum has an insane record with 12 goals in the Reliance Foundation Developmental League. The striker brought his form to the Next Generation Cup as he scored in the 2-3 loss to Aston Villa and has been leading the line well. Speaking about his performance Omang mentioned:

“First of all the atmosphere in any sport here is unique. This kind of environment fuels you to go the distance and accomplish better things. The same can’t be said for how things are back home as we don’t get similar surroundings. Secondly, the staff is extremely helpful towards everyone. Last but not least, football isn’t a solitary sporting event and has tons of related activities linked to it and there’s so much one can learn from it.”

On three contrasting results from the three Indian teams and a message for aspiring footballers 

Muthoot Football Academy and East Bengal FC lost in their respective matches on the same matchday as Punjab FC prevailed. While fans will be proud of the Shers, they will also be disheartened at Muthoot FA and the Torchbearers’ losses.  Elated at his contribution, the goalkeeper expressed his faith in the Almighty and said: 

“I have two messages. Firstly, two of the other Indian teams lost badly today but we won very well. So we have to make it a point to carry forward the positives. Wins and losses are all part and parcel of the game but once again, I didn’t expect them to concede such heavy losses. This is my second point as I wanted to say that they have to work on their squad as well and deduce their shortcomings.”

Substituting on a keeper

Sankarlal Chakraborty brought on 16-year-old Harpreet Singh in Aayush Deshwal’s stead. His philosophy strictly believes in motivating every player by giving them a chance to showcase their abilities. On being asked to elaborate it further, the mentor explained: 

“He’s 16+ and won’t be able to play even in the Punjab (State Super) League as he’s not 17 yet. My goal has always been for my players a chance to prove themselves and today I wanted to motivate the kid and give him a chance to experience this competition.”

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