AFC Cup 2014: Pune FC, Nay Pyi Taw split points in competition debut

Pune FC attacker Riga Mustapha (Red - #7) scores the opening goal of the game

Pune FC played out a 2-2 draw with Nay Pyi Taw FC in their AFC Cup 2014 Group-H opener at the Shree Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi in Pune on Wednesday.

In a battle of firsts for both teams, it was attacker Riga Mustapha (9th minute) who gave Pune FC the lead with a wonderful strike. The visitors equalised through medio Lin Zaw (17th) minutes later to restore parity.

In the second half, it was the visitors who took the lead through substitute Khaing Htoo (85th) before skipper Douhou Pierre’s (88th) 22-yard wonder-strike earned Pune FC a draw.

The point shared meant Pune FC occupy the second place in the table along with Nay Pyi Taw FC behind leaders Hong Kong’s Kitchee (3 pts).

Coach Mike Snoei fielded the same playing-XI from the last match against Mohammedan Sporting with Thongkhosiem Haokip playing as the lone striker up-front and Douhou continued to lead in Anas Edathodika’s absence.

It was Pune FC who went close in the opening ten minutes through Haokip and winger Gabriel Fernandes whose attempts went wide.

The hosts however took the lead in the ninth minute through wonderful strike from Riga. After Douhou's initial through ball aimed for Haokip down the middle was blocked, he squared the rebound to Riga on the left. The attacker controlled before curling his effort to the far post leaving NPT keeper Van Lal Hruai well beaten.

As Pune FC kept on pushing ahead a small defensive mistake saw the visitors pull level. Medio Zaw Lin capitalised on Dhanpal Ganesh’s poor clearance and scored from the edge of the box.

Thereafter both teams kept on pushing ahead with Pune FC dominating majority of the possession but failed to score going into the break tied at 1-1

The second half was a similar story as Pune FC continued to dominate proceedings. However, the visitors defended deep and held on.

In the opening ten minutes of the second half, the hosts went close through Calum Angus who had a freekick saved before Haokip’s header from inside the box on his cross was cleared.

Midway through the half, NPT striker Di Peidi Michelle and Haokip had attempts from close range at opposite ends go over.

The visitors took the lead five minutes from time as substitute Khaing Htoo capitalised on another defensive error from Pune FC. Striker Di Piedi headed on goalkeeper Hruai’s long ball and Ranjan Singh’s missed clearance saw Htoo rush ahead and score from close.

However, NPT’s joy was shortlived as Douhou pulled Pune FC level three minutes later. Going on a solo from the left wing, the skipper went past three defenders running across the field before finishing with a powerful low shot from outside the box.

Pune FC pushed ahead in the final minutes of the game but the visitors preferred to hold on for a draw.

Pune FC skipper Douhou Pierre (Red - #11) goes on a solo past a host of defenders before scoring the team’s second goal

Pune FC Press