ISL 2025-26: Clinical Punjab cruise past Inter Kashi 3-0

Punjab FC defeated Inter Kashi 3-0 in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Monday.

Samir Zeljković, Effiong Nsungusi Jr and Bede Osuji scored for the Shers as they moved to 14 points from eight games, consolidating seventh place. Inter Kashi remained eighth with 11 points from nine games. Zeljković was named Player of the Match.

Punjab started on the front foot, with Bede Osuji at the center of its attacking play. Twice in the opening ten minutes, Osuji’s back-heel movements released Dani Ramírez in the penalty area, but Inter Kashi goalkeeper Lluis Tarrés responded well to deny the Spaniard.

The hosts controlled possession, with Manglenthang Kipgen dictating play from midfield, while Nsungusi Jr and Osuji troubled Inter Kashi’s defense. Inter Kashi threatened at times, with Tomba Singh and Narender Gahlot coming close to set-pieces.

The breakthrough came in the 37th minute. Pramveer Singh won possession halfway through and started an attack down the left, finding Osuji, who teamed up with Nsungusi Jr. was in the penalty area. After a short struggle, Nsungusi regained control and directed the ball to Zeljković, who finished with his right foot.

Inter Kashi tried to respond before half-time, with Alfred Planas and Sergio Llamas combining well, but Arshdeep Singh ensured that Punjab continued their lead into the break.

Punjab doubled their lead in the 51st minute after an error in midfield. Ramírez drove into the penalty area from the left and cut the ball back to Nsungusi Jr, who finished from close range.

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Punjab then maintained control, kept up the pressure and limited Inter Kashi’s chances. Pramveer and Bijoy V. were effective defensively, cutting off passing lanes and stopping counter-attacks.

The third goal came in the 72nd minute. Substitute Leon Augustine drove forward from the left and found Osuji, who turned in the penalty area and fired into the top corner.

Punjab rode the closing stages comfortably and maintained their shape at the back. Inter Kashi struggled to create clear chances, using long balls cleared by the defense.

Punjab almost added a fourth in stoppage time, with Vinit Rai hitting the woodwork while Ranjeet Singh Pandre was denied in a one-on-one.

Punjab FC secured a 3-0 win to stay within reach of the top half, while Inter Kashi will look to regroup after a performance in which they struggled to convert chances.

Published on April 20, 2026