The match, scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m., will decide the group toppers, with both Punjab FC and East Bengal having already secured their places in the semifinals after winning their respective opening matches against Calcutta Customs Club.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Punjab FC announced their arrival in the competition in emphatic fashion, thrashing Calcutta Customs 7-0 on Sunday in Pavlos Dermitzakis\u2019 first match as head coach. The result also saw new signing Raphael Messi Bouli make an immediate impact, with the Cameroon international scoring a hat-trick and providing two assists.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bouli\u2019s three-goal haul has put him level with Mohun Bagan\u2019s Lallianzuala Chhangte at the top of the tournament\u2019s scoring charts. Punjab\u2019s attacking options were further underlined by goals from Diego Raposo, Konsam Sanathoi Singh and Bishu Sharma in the opening fixture.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Shers will also be encouraged by the contribution of their academy graduates. Manglenthang Kipgen impressed in midfield against Customs with his pressing and distribution, while Muhammed Uvais, Suresh Meitei and Nikhil Prabhu formed part of a young core that helped Punjab maintain control of the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Dermitzakis expects a more demanding test against an East Bengal side playing on home turf.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe had a fantastic start to the tournament, and the 7-0 victory showed the attacking quality and tactical discipline we possess. However, East Bengal is a historic club playing in front of their home fans, so it will be a completely different test. I am incredibly proud of how our Roundglass Academy graduates, particularly young players like Kipgen, stepped up and controlled the tempo. We will need that same intensity and teamwork tomorrow to secure the top spot in our group.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
East Bengal, meanwhile, entered the contest after beating Calcutta Customs 3-1 in their opening game. Despite conceding in the 12th minute, Bino George\u2019s side recovered strongly to register a comfortable victory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With East Bengal juggling commitments in the AFC Champions League Two and the ISL, the club has used the IFA Shield to give opportunities to several reserve and emerging players. Akash Hemram and Rohit Danu were among those to find the net against Customs and will again be expected to provide attacking impetus.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Punjab FC and East Bengal last met in the ISL in May, when the two sides played out a goalless draw at the Salt Lake Stadium.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With East Bengal juggling commitments in the AFC Champions League Two and the ISL, the club has used the IFA Shield to give opportunities to several reserve and emerging players. Akash Hemram and Rohit Danu were among those to find the net against Customs and will again be expected to provide attacking impetus.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Special Cricket Stories<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n