New Delhi, July 14: It was a bright day for Indian football as the country’s top developmental squads faced off against their Japanese J-League counterparts. The performance was a mix of dominant displays and nail-biting finishes.

To start with, Punjab FC ran amok against Avipsa Fukuoka with a dominating 5-0 victory. The Indian side was firing on all cylinders from the opening whistle. Singamayum Shami began the proceedings for the Indian side, netting an early brace (3′, 28′) to set a ruthless tone. Omang Dodum (42′) and Ngarin Shaiza (55′) extended the lead before Vishal Yadav put the final exclamation point on the victory deep into stoppage time (90+2′).

​Bengaluru FC Edges Out Giravanz Kitakyushu 3-2

Bengaluru FC staged a spirited comeback to edge past Giravanz Kitakyushu 3-2 in an entertaining contest. The Japanese side went into the break with a 1-0 advantage after Ryunosuke Imai found the net in the 40th minute, but Bengaluru responded strongly after the restart.

Rakshit Priya Anil restored parity in the 61st minute before Serto Worneilen Kom put the Indian side ahead with a decisive strike in the 75th minute. An own goal briefly complicated matters, and Md Arbash pulled one back for Giravanz Kitakyushu in the 90th minute, setting up a tense finish. However, Bengaluru held their nerve with a determined defensive display in stoppage time to seal all three points.

​Narrow Heartbreak For FC Goa

FC Goa suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sagan Tosu in a closely fought encounter, with Zenryu Ono’s sixth-minute strike proving to be the difference. After the early setback, the Gaurs enjoyed long spells of possession and created a number of promising opportunities, particularly after the break. However, they were unable to find a way past Sagan Tosu’s well-organised defence, as the Japanese side held firm to secure a slender victory.