[WATCH] Luka Majcen's scores brace for Punjab FC against CISF Protectors in Durand Cup 2024

The Shers opened their Durand Cup account with a 3-0 victory over the paramilitary outfit.

Punjab FC eased past CISF Protectors FT to begin their Durand Cup 2024 campaign on a high at the Kishore Bharati Stadium Stadium on Tuesday. Luka Majcen was at the forefront of all the action, with a brace as Vinit Rai also converted from the spot. 

The Slovenian hitman threatened from the seventh minute as his blindside run caught the CISF defence off-guard. Goalkeeper Raj Mahato was called into action immediately as he produced an outstanding save to deny Majcen’s header. 

Poetry in motion 😍#PunjabFC #TheShers #PunjabDaJosh #IndianOilDurandCup pic.twitter.com/SL03tuptgW

— Punjab FC (@RGPunjabFC) July 30, 2024

Punjab didn’t need long to open the scoring as the floodgates opened in the next 20 minutes. Nikhil Prabhu capitalised on a skewed clearance and set up the striker to score with a composed finish. 

Nihal Sudeesh then missed a few chances and was flagged offside for what seemed to be a close call. The Shers tried an experimental setup with Nikhil Prabhu playing a more advanced midfield role.   

Soon afterwards Prabhu found Filip Mrzljak’s run out wide and pinged a long ball onto his path. The Croatian squared it for Majcen who was once again at the right place at the right time to blast home his second of the night. 

Punjab FC were spared any headaches due to CISF’s inconsistency in front of the Shers’ goal. In the 76th minute, the paramilitary side conceded another counter and Raj Mahato had to step in to thwart the run of Ranjeet.

Eventually, the goalkeeper conceded a penalty and Vinit Rai stepped up to send him the wrong way. Punjab FC had no real difficulties seeing the match out at this stage and they went home with a clean sheet and a victory. 

Luka Majcen scored eight goals in the league last time out and brought his form to the Durand Cup. His brace gave his side a cushion to perform and he will be expected to keep doing so this season. 

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