Punjab FC have finished third in the Next Gen Cup organised in England. The development squad of the ISL club defeated Aston Villa and Everton to achieve a strong finish.
The Young Shers defeated Everton 2-1 and Aston Villa 2-0 in their most recent games. East Bengal finished last in the tournament, while Muthoot FC finished sixth following the playoffs. In the finals of the Cup, Stellenbosch FC came up short against Tottenham, who won the finals 2-0.
Punjab FC win against Aston Villa to close out Next Gen Cup campaign in style
BREAKING: Punjab FC 🇮🇳 2-0 Aston Villa 🏴
— IFTWC – Indian Football (@IFTWC) August 4, 2024
HISTORIC! pic.twitter.com/4eH1G72g6Z
Goals from Manglethang Kipgen and Omang Dodum helped Punjab seal the win over the Midlands club. Both goals came in the first half, with Dodum capitalising on an error from the opposition.
The Young Shers have now become the second team in history to defeat two English clubs in one edition of the Next Gen Cup. The only other team to do so was the Reliance Foundation Young Champs.
The future seems bright for PFC, after the impressive performance by their U21 team in England, especially given the exposure that they have now received over the past few weeks.
What was the eligibility for Next Gen Cup?
Players born on or after 1 January, 2003.