Pune FC………….2
Kitchee SC………0
AGENCIES
PUNE: Pune FC defeated Hong Kong champions Kitchee SC 2-0 at the Balewadi Sports Complex on Tuesday to record their first-ever win in the AFC Cup.
After a goalless first half, defender Zohmingliana Ralte put the hosts in front in the second half and then Amrinder Singh saved Juan Belencoso’s penalty. Ralte soon doubled Pune’s advantage and the I-League outfit held on for a memorable victory over the group winners despite exiting the competition at the group stage.
There was only one surprise in the Pune lineup as Dhanpal Ganesh got the start ahead of India international Arata Izumi. Riga Mustapha started in his preferred playmaker role just behind lone striker Mirjan Pavlovic.
Kitchee’s tempo dropped midway through the first period and it allowed Pune to grow into the game. The hosts saw the ball a lot more but were wasteful with their final pass.
In the second half the match became an open contest but both sides were limited to efforts from outside the box as the defences remained well organised.
It looked like a set play could only break the deadlock and so it proved to be as Ralte headed home D’Souza’s corner delivery much to the delight of the locals inside the stadium.
However much like their entire group stage, Pune lost their concentration and almost immediately conceded a penalty as Amrinder brought down Lam Ka Wai inside the box. Belencoso stepped up confidently but his spot-kick was saved by Amrinder who also stopped Tarres’ effort from the rebound.
That double save proved to be a turning point as a few minutes later Ralte doubled the home team’s advantage. Once again it was from a flag-kick with Fernandez this time producing a quality delivery for Ralte to head past Guo Jianqiao.
Kitchee failed to produce a response as Pune comfortably held on for a landmark win. The I-League side ended their maiden AFC Cup campaign with six points from as many games while group winners Kitchee progressed to the round of 16 along with Myanmar’s Nay Pyi Taw FC.
