Pune FC powered to a confidence-boosting first win under new Coach Karim Bencherifa with a 3-0 victory over Dempo SC in their second preseason friendly at the Duler Football Stadium in Mapusa, Goa.
A brace from young striker Shoaib Syed (38th and 89th minute) after Alex’s opener (14th) handed Pune FC a comfortable win.
The 90-minute game was divided into three periods of 30 minutes each with a break of five minutes between two periods. Coach Bencherifa took full advantage of the format rotating the squad and utilizing 22 players throughout the game.
Both sides came into the game hoping for a better result after drawing their previous games respectively. Dempo SC played a goalless draw against Salgaocar FC four days back, while Pune FC were engaged in an entertaining 1-1 draw against Bengaluru FC three days back.
Arthur Papas-coached Dempo SC began the game on the offensive with striker Tolgay Ozbey going close twice inside five minutes. Minutes later, Pune FC came out of their shell and began pushing ahead. Snehashish Chakraborty’s try from distance was saved by the keeper as Pune FC began making inroads.
A minute before the quarter hour mark, Pune FC took the lead. Medio Alex controlled winger Prakash Thorat’s pass and sent a scorching left footer into the right corner of the net. Despite Dempo SC custodian Laxmikant Kattimani getting a hand to it, there was enough pace to beat him.
Pune FC continued to dominate proceedings and had a wonderful chance to double the lead in the 22nd minute. Attacker Lalnunpuia did well to utilize the opportunity of the ’keeper advancing deep outside box, only for his clever lob to come off the crossbar.
The home side came close to getting the equaliser twice as the first period came to a close. First, Myron Fernandes sent his try wide after capitalising on defender Zeeshan Rahman’s error. Minutes later, Pune FC custodian Md. Ansari thwarted Joy Ferrao’s powerful attempt from the top of the box.
Pune FC took their one goal lead into the break at the end of the first period.
Coach Bencherifa made five changes at the start of the second period bringing in Jaseel, Zohmingliana Ralte, Tanmoy, Shoaib and Fanai Lalrempuia.
Eight minutes after restart, substitute Shoaib showed great composure to score for the second game running. After controlling Lalnunpuia’s pass, Shoaib’s low attempt deflected off a defender and foxed the keeper to end up in the net.
Seven minutes later, Pune FC once again went close. This time Shoaib turned provider for Lalnunpuia whose effort on the run was fisted away by the keeper.
As the second period came to a close, Pune FC missed a glorious opportunity to go 3-0 up with substitute Lalrempuia missing the target from close range.
The third and final period began the same way the second ended, with Lalrempuia missing a sitter. The young medio once again failed to capitalise after Pune FC did well to open up the rival defense.
Midway through the half, Pune FC once again went close. Lalrempuia’s deep freekick from 25-yards out rebounded off the keeper only for Shoaib to head the ensuing chance straight back to the keeper.
Five minutes later, substitute ‘keeper Avilash Paul made his presence felt with a brilliant save in a 1-on-1 situation with Joy Ferrao to keeping Pune FC’s two goal lead intact.
In the final minutes of the game, substitute Raju Yumnam went close for Pune FC, but was unlucky as his 20-yard attempt came off the crossbar.
However, two minutes later, Pune FC finally got their third goal. A counter attack from right had substitute Velington Rocha release Ajay Singh on the run who in turn set up Shoaib. The young striker calmly placed the ball to the left of keeper to take his tally to 3 goals in the preseason.
The Teams
Pune FC: Ansari (GK) (65’; Avilash), Srikanth (31’; Tanmoy) (73’; Raju), Anas (C) (31’; Ralte), Henry, Zeeshan (31’; Jaseel) (73’; Ajay), Mumtaz (31’; Shoaib), Arata, Prakash (31’; Lalrempuia), Alex, Snehashish (40’; Subhasish) (73’; Denechandra), Lalnunpuia
Dempo SC: Kattimani (GK), Prabir Das, Rowlinson, Carvalho, Clifford, Myron, Lenny, Vineet, Darryl, Shahil, Tolgay (24’; Joy)
