Punjab FC squad reacts to impressive 2024 Next Generation Cup campaign

The Shers young cubs scripted a record-breaking victory in the Next Generation Cup.

Punjab FC defeated Everton FC 2-1 in the Next Generation Cup 2024, becoming the first-ever Indian club in the competition to win a game. Sankarlal Chakraborty’s boys didn’t stop there as they won the shootout and took home the maximum four points.

Manglengthang Kipgen was once again led by example with a peach of a goal and Usham Thoungamba Singh scored the winner to give the Shers all three points. Despite going behind early as Joel Catesby scored the Toffees’ opener, Punjab FC rallied back and saved the day.

The legendary Everton player-turned-coach Leighton Baines was left pondering on the touchline as a promising young Indian side pinned his team back. Usham capitalised on a counter and left the defenders puzzled as his shot passed between two players’ legs and rifled into the bottom corner with the goalkeeper unable to reach it. 

Despite such an intimidating atmosphere, the teenagers excelled and coach Sankarlal Chakraborty was enthralled with his team’s performance. The young Indian players talked to Khel Now following their record-breaking win.

On scoring Punjab FC’s equaliser and his performance since the SAFF U19 Championship last year

Prodigiously talented attacker Kipgen has been in the news since his Player of the Tournament performance at the SAFF U19 Championship last year.

The attacker scored two goals and assisted one in the final and has brought that form to the Next Generation Cup for Punjab FC. With an audacious chip in this game and a brilliant feint-and-finish in the last, Kipgen spoke about his goal and his objectives in the tournament: “Of course, I tried to chip it because I saw that there was no one. Without any support, I was short of options and I thought why not? So I went with a chipped shot.

“From the start, I have been trying my best to do well for both myself and the team. My only goal since the beginning has been to be consistent and contribute as much as I can and I’m glad I could do that.”

On scoring Punjab FC’s winner

Usham Singh proved to be a copy-book fox-in-the-box as he latched on to Muhammad Suhail’s ball and bundled it into the bottom corner after making two defenders dance to his tune.

The youngster was cheerful after his contribution to the team and quipped in: “I’m very happy to have been able to score in this type of a game. I initially thought I’d pass it to him (pointing at Kipgen) but then I shot it myself and scored (laughs).”

On consistency in both the Reliance Foundation Development League and the Next Generation Cup

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: “It feels nice to play well and win. We played a good game against a very good side Everton FC.

“Today we changed the formation as well to a back four in defense. In the previous matches, we were using a five-back setup but we tried out with four today. Everyone performed well and all the staff members and players deserve these four points.”

On saving penalties and ensuring the extra point

Hailing from Uttarakhand, Aayush Deshwal had a breakthrough moment as the shot-stopper saved one penalty after full time and Everton missed another one.

The Next Generation Cup hosts an extra penalty round for all sides after each match for either side to score a point if they win the shootout. Elated at his contribution, the goalkeeper expressed his faith in the Almighty and said: “Well I can’t speak Garhwali, but I can understand it (smiles). There was a certain pressure because things weren’t turning out as I wanted them to, since the last two matches.

“I wanted to be able to extract that one crucial point for the team but I wasn’t able to. But it is all God’s grace and I’m grateful to Radharani Maa for everything I’ve gotten so far. I’m happy and so are my teammates and I’m glad.”

On winning the game and feelings about the Kerala landslide victims

A player in the mold of Ashique Kuruniyan, Muhammad Suhail, has been wreaking havoc on the left wing throughout the tournament. The traditional winger, lovingly called ‘Kerala’ by his teammates, set up Usham Singh’s all-important goal after feinting and opening up space for his teammate.

On being asked about his feelings regarding the game and the afflicted victims of the landslide in his state, Kerala he replied: “I’m very happy to have won this game and more importantly in this tournament. This is a great experience and I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to witness it. Yeah, this win is for them (Kerala landslide victims) and we are all there to support them.”

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