Fukuoka, Japan, July 14: Punjab FC started their Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) Japan Tour 2026 with an emphatic 5-0 victory against Avispa Fukuoka U18 at the Global Arena Stadium, Fukuoka, Japan on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
Singamayum Shami (3′, 28′), Omang Dodum (42′), substitutes Ngarin Shaiza (55′), and Vishal Yadav (90+2′) were all on the scoresheet for the side from Punjab.
Punjab FC entered the match aiming to dictate the tempo from the onset, pressing high and suffocating the Avispa midfield. Their aggressive intent paid dividends almost immediately.
In the third minute, following a brilliant interception in the middle of the park by Konsam Sanathoi Singh, a precise assist from Omang Dodung found Singamayum Shami. The forward executed a calm right-footed finish that skimmed the crossbar before finding the net to give his side early momentum.
The opening goal set the tone for the remainder of the first half, which was entirely dominated by ‘The Shers’. They controlled the ball from the off, consistently pushing the Japanese side onto the back foot. In the 28th minute, Shami doubled his tally with a wonderful right-footed strike from distance after skilfully dribbling past his marker.
Punjab FC kept searching for goals, and their persistence yielded a third in the 42nd minute. Omang finished off a sweeping team move, capitalising on an excellent assist from Sanathoi.
Although the Japanese side found a brief rhythm going into the dying moments of the first half, it was short-lived. Punjab finished the half strongly, boasting 62 per cent possession, six shots on target, nine chances created, and five tackles.
At the break, Punjab FC opted for a double substitution, bringing on Md. Shamim to replace goalscorer Shami, while Karish came on for Mohd. Sahil.
The second half began with a slightly reduced pace, but Punjab comfortably maintained possession. It was only a matter of minutes until they broke through once more. In the 55th minute, Bishu Sharma picked out substitute Ngarin Shaiza inside the box. Ngarin unleashed a scintillating right-footed curler that sailed straight into the top right corner, leaving the fully stretched Avispa goalkeeper with absolutely no chance.
Following the fourth goal, Punjab opted for a series of substitutions to inject fresh legs and maintain control of the proceedings.
The Shers continued to control the tempo of the midfield. The Indian side almost grabbed their fifth in the 85th minute when substitute Vishal Yadav crafted a clear opportunity, but a brilliant save by the Avispa goalkeeper denied him, keeping the scoreline at 4-0.
However, Vishal finally found that elusive fifth goal in the first minute of stoppage time (90+2′). He embarked on a beautiful run, beating three defenders with a precise finish into the bottom left corner past the diving keeper.
The final whistle confirmed a resounding 5-0 victory, reflecting a spectacular and lethal display of football by the Punjab boys to open their Japan Tour campaign in style.
