Federation Cup: Pune FC go down fighting 1-2 to Bengaluru FC

Pune FC went down fighting 1-2 to Bengaluru FC in a third round Group-B encounter of the 36^th Federation Cup at the Tilak Maidan in Vascoon Monday.

In a hard fought game, it was first half goals from Sunil Chhetri (43^rd minute, 45+3^rd Penalty) which put Bengaluru FC two-up before half time. Striker Thongkhoseim Haokip pulled one back for Pune FC in the 86^th minute but it only proved to be a consolation goal.

The loss was Pune FC’s first in the competition as they stay third with four points behind Bengaluru FC (10 pts) and Salgaocar FC (6 pts) in Group-B. The result also means Pune FC will have to win the final game against Salgaocar FC to qualify for the knockouts.

Furthermore, the game was also marred by a few controversial decisions from the referee which involved the first goal of the game and a clear penalty denied in the second half for Pune FC.

Going into the game, Coach Karim Bencherifa made one change to the starting lineup with Haokip replacing Anthony D’Souza in the eleven.

Pune FC began the game on the offensive and created the first chance of the game in the seventh minute. Left-back Raju Yumnam cut in from the flank and drilled in a low effort which was saved by the rival custodian.

As the game progressed, both sides created a few half chances while playing end-to-end football. Bengaluru FC went close for the first time on the quarter hour mark, but Sean Rooney’s header on a corner kick went wide.

At the other end, Pune FC almost broke the deadlock in the 18th minute. A combination play between Haokip, Eric Brown and Arata Izumi saw the skipper get into the clear on the left. However, his powerful low drive which was deflected was kept out by the keeper.

Pune FC kept on pushing ahead, but lacked the finishing touch in the final third as the Bengaluru FC defense held firm.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 43^rd minute in controversial manner. Having earned a corner kick on the right, Bengaluru FC pumped it into the box. Pune FC custodian Amrinder Singh jumped up to grab the ball but was clearly fouled by defender John Johnson on the jump resulting in the ball falling to Chhetri who scored into an empty net.

Minutes later, Bengaluru FC scored once again as Chhetri completed his brace with a penalty kick conversion after Amrinder had brought down Rooney inside the box.

Pune FC went into the breather trailing by two goals.

The second half was a different story as Pune FC began to dominate the proceedings more. In the opening ten minutes, Pune FC went close on a couple of occasions through substitute Munmun Lugun and Eric. However, both the efforts were saved by keeper Lalthuanmawia Ralte.

Minutes past the hour mark, Pune FC once again went close. Having earned a freekick on the left flank, Eric floated it in at the far post. Medio Lalramluaha Hmar timed his jump well on the edge of the box, but his header lacked power and was saved.

Moments later, it was Raju who went wide from distance on a couple of occasions before Thongkhosiem Haokip almost pulled one back. The young striker beat the offside trap on the right, but his powerful effort from close was saved by the keeper.

On the corner kick that followed, defender Luciano Sabrosa was clearly hacked down by Bengaluru FC defenders Johnson and Curtis Osano inside the box, but the referee waived play on much to the dismay of the Pune FC team.

Into the final quarter, Pune FC continued to press further up as Bengaluru FC opted to defend deep holding on to their two goal lead.

However, Pune FC’s persistence paid off as they finally pulled a goal back in the 86^th minute. Substitute Nikhil Kadam, cut in from the right flank and drilled in a low shot which was blocked by a defender and the ball rose up in the air. As the rival keeper jumped to grab the ball, Haokip intelligently pressurised him and go a touch on the ball which was enough to put it into the net.

The goal saw Pune FC push even further up in the final minutes of the game, but chances from Nikhil and Sabrosa went agonisingly wide as Bengaluru FC managed to hold on to their narrow lead.