Subroto Cup: Pune FC Under-17s go down 0-1 to AIFF Academy

Pune FC Under-17s ended their campaign in the 56^th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament with a narrow 0-1 loss to AIFF Academy Under-17s in a Pool-G Round 2 encounter at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday.

A second half strike from Deependra Negi (43^rd minute) proved to be the difference between the two sides in this 35-minutes per half game.

Coming into the game on the back of a 5-0 win over Bengaluru FC, Pune FC dominated proceedings early on with attempts from strike pair of Lalawmpuia and Buanthanglun Samte.

While keeping the pressure on with constant attacks, Pune FC almost took the lead around the quarter hour mark. First Lalawmpuia’s attempt from the right was palmed away by the keeper before another long ranger from Muirang W. forced the custodian to make a diving save as the first half ended goalless.

The second half was a tight affair with both sides creating chances. However, while Pune FC pushed up, the opponents capitalised on a defensive lapse with Deependra tapping home a cross in from the flank to put AIFF Academy in the lead.

Pune FC continued to push up in the final quarter in search of the equaliser but AIFF Academy defended deep to seal a narrow 1-0 win.