Defending champions Pune FC Under-19s opened their campaign in the Ashok Vanjari Memorial Cup with a 5-0 over Rangehills Milan FC in a prequarterfinal clash at the DSK Football Fields in Loni on Tuesday.
On a rain soaked afternoon, goals from Balkar Singh (10th minute), Daniel Hmar (60th), Pawan Pratap (70th) and Md. Yasir (72nd & 78th) handed Pune FC a comfortable win helping them qualify for the quarterfinals.
Playing their first competitive game of the season, Pune FC began the game in attacking fashion and almost took the lead in the fifth minute. However, skipper Sanchayan Samadder fell just short as his curling freekick from 20-yards came off the crossbar.
Nonetheless, Pune FC finally broke the deadlock in the 10th minute capitalising on a half chance. As the rival keeper’s miscued dropkick went straight to Sanchayan, he managed to set up Balkar next to him who controlled and let fly from 30-yards out. The powerful shot dipped at the right moment leaving the Rangehills Milan ‘keeper stunned before ending up in the back of the net.
As the half progressed, it started raining heavily and both sides struggled a bit. The excess water on the pitch was making it difficult to play free flowing football and the half ended 1-0 in favour of Pune FC.
The second half began in slow pace before finally exploding into life around the hour mark. Having fought hard, Pune FC finally doubled their lead in the 60th minute when midfielder Daniel combined with Sanchayan inside the box and converted from close.
Ten minutes later, Pune FC made it 3-0 when substitute Pawan capitalised on a spill from the keeper who failed to keep Sanchayan’s shot in check. Pawan timed his run well and placed his low shot in the far corner.
Minutes later, Yasir too got his name on the scoresheet finishing off substitute Harsharan Khabra’s brilliant through ball on the right. Two minutes from the final whistle, Yasir completed his brace after another similar move initiated by Sanchayan who picked up his third assist as Pune FC sealed a handsome win.
