Punjab FC Hammer Avispa 5-0 As Indian Clubs Shine Against J-League Sides
Punjab FC Hammer Avispa 5-0 As Indian Clubs Shine Against J-League Sides Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 21:32 IST Punjab FC thrashed Avispa
Punjab FC Hammer Avispa 5-0 As Indian Clubs Shine Against J-League Sides Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 21:32 IST Punjab FC thrashed Avispa Fukuoka 5-0, Bengaluru FC battled to a thrilling 3-2 win over Giravanz Kitakyushu, while FC Goa suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sagan Tosu. Rapid Read News18 It was an action-packed day of football as India’s leading developmental sides took on Japanese J-League opposition, with Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC registering impressive victories while FC Goa suffered a narrow defeat. Punjab FC produced the performance of the day, cruising to a commanding 5-0 win over Avispa Fukuoka. Singamayum Shami stole the spotlight with a clinical first-half brace, opening the scoring in the third minute before doubling the lead in the 28th. Omang Dodum added a third just before halftime, giving Punjab complete control heading into the break. The Indian side never looked back after the restart.
Ngarin Shaiza made it 4-0 in the 55th minute before Vishal Yadav rounded off the emphatic victory with a stoppage-time strike, capping off a dominant display at both ends of the pitch. Bengaluru FC, meanwhile, were made to work much harder for their victory, edging Giravanz Kitakyushu 3-2 in an entertaining five-goal contest. The Japanese side struck first through Ryunosuke Imai in the 40th minute, but Bengaluru responded brilliantly after the interval. Rakshit Rakshit Priya Anil levelled the scores in the 61st minute before Serto Worneilen Kom completed the turnaround with a well-taken winner in the 75th minute. An own goal kept Giravanz Kitakyushu in the contest before Md Arbash found the net in the 90th minute to set up a tense finish. Bengaluru, however, held their nerve in the closing moments to seal an impressive comeback victory. FC Goa endured a frustrating outing against Sagan Tosu, narrowly losing 1-0 despite an encouraging performance.
The decisive moment arrived as early as the sixth minute when Zenryu Ono found the breakthrough for the Japanese side. The Gaurs gradually settled into the contest and enjoyed long spells of possession, particularly in the second half, creating several promising opportunities. However, they were unable to find the finishing touch as Sagan Tosu’s disciplined defence stood firm to preserve the slender advantage. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What does this mean for Indian football's global standing? Recent victories by Indian clubs Punjab FC (5-0 against Avispa Fukuoka) and Bengaluru FC (3-2 against Giravanz Kitakyushu) against Japanese J-League sides suggest a positive development for Indian football. Will more Indian clubs play against international teams soon? Yes, Indian clubs are scheduled to play against international teams soon as part of an international exposure tour in Japan from July 11 to July 23.
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