New Delhi: Pune FC's dreams of extending their historic run, after making it to their first-ever major semi-final, ended with a 0-2 loss to defending champions Prayag United in the semis of the 124th Durand Cup at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Prayag United scored once in each half, first through Lukram James Singh in the 29th minute and the another through Joshimar Martins in 81st minute.
The loss was Pune FC's second to Prayag United in the six encounters they have played in the elite division.
Pune FC retained the same squad that played in the last game against Air-India, thereby removing all doubts about left-wingback Kamaljeet Singh's taking the field owing to a niggle.
Opting to get into an attacking mode, Pune FC forced a corner-kick in the fourth minute but could not force anything off it.
Prayag, meanwhile, pushed forward through Joshimar Da Silva and Yusif Yakubu to keep the Pune FC defence busy.
As the game approached the half-hour mark, Prayag United broke the deadlock. Off a corner kick, Lukram James Singh did well to find the back of the net.
At the half-way stage, Pune FC trailed 0-1.
On resumption, even as Pune FC chased for the equaliser, Prayag goalscorer Lukram James Singh was replaced by right-winger Shylo Malsawmtluanga, while Joshimar received a yellow card.
The introduction of Malsawmtluanga made the Pune FC defence get alert and in one situation, Maninder Singh did well to keep out a cross.
Pune FC then introduced Paresh Shivalkar in place of striker Subash, while striker Jeh Williamson came in place of Karma Tsewang in a bid take them through in the last 11 minutes of the game.
Prayag, likewise, brought in Kayne Vincent for Yakubu and it made a difference.
Joshimar, receiving the first touch from Vincent, put the ball home to take a 2-0 lead.
In the three minutes of extra time, Denson Devdas managed to find the Pune FC net, but the referee gave it as a foul.
Comments
0 comment