Punjab FC secured a 3-0 victory over Inter Kashi in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Monday, boosting their position to seventh place with 14 points from eight matches.
Samir Zeljkovic, Effiong Nsungusi Jr, and Bede Osuji scored the goals to earn the Shers three valuable points. Inter Kashi remain eighth with 11 points from nine matches. Zeljkovic was named Player of the Match.
Punjab started strongly, with Bede Osuji central to their offensive play. Twice within the first ten minutes, Osuji’s backheel flicks found Dani Ramirez inside the box, but Inter Kashi goalkeeper Lluis Tarres made timely saves to deny him.
The hosts dominated possession, with Manglenthang Kipgen orchestrating play from midfield, while Nsungusi Jr and Osuji continually challenged Inter Kashi’s defence. Inter Kashi had occasional threats, with Tomba Singh and Narender Gahlot coming close from set-pieces.
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute after a well-executed move. Pramveer Singh won possession near the halfway line and started an attack down the left, assisting Osuji. Osuji combined with Nsungusi Jr inside the box, and following a brief tussle, Nsungusi passed to Zeljkovic who calmly scored with his right foot to give Punjab the lead.
Inter Kashi tried to respond before half-time, with Alfred Planas and Sergio Llamas linking well, but Arshdeep Singh remained composed to maintain Punjab’s advantage.
Soon after the restart, in the 51st minute, Punjab doubled their lead following a midfield error. Dani Ramirez took possession, advanced into the box, and cut the ball back to Nsungusi Jr, who finished clinically from close range.
Punjab continued to press and limit Inter Kashi’s chances, with Pramveer and Bijoy V. performing well defensively to disrupt any counter-attacks.
The third goal arrived in the 72nd minute when substitute Leon Augustine progressed down the left and supplied a precise pass to Osuji, who struck a powerful shot into the top corner, leaving Tarres no chance.
With a comfortable lead, Punjab controlled the remainder of the match, maintaining pressure and defensive structure. Inter Kashi struggled to find opportunities, resorting to long balls that were effectively dealt with by Punjab’s defence.
Late in stoppage time, Punjab nearly added a fourth goal when Vinit Rai hit the woodwork and Ranjeet Singh Pandre was denied in a one-on-one by a crucial defensive intervention.
Punjab FC concluded the match with a confident 3-0 win, strengthening their pursuit of a top-half finish, while Inter Kashi will seek to recover after a performance marked by limited conversion of chances.