Kochi: Pune FC face the ignominy of an early exit from the Group stages of Federation Cup after losing 1-0 to a struggling United Sports Club at the Jawaharlal Nehru international stadium in Kochi on Friday.
Second half substitute Baldeep Singh, who replaced injured Ranti Martins, struck the winner in the 72nd minute as United SC put an end to their miserable run in all competitions and importantly kept their Cup chances alive.
Ranti was stretchered off in the 52nd minute in what could be a serious setback to Eelco Schattorie’s side that has so many players out injured, since the I-League winter break.
Eric Brown was the most influential United attacker and it was his all important cross that assisted Baldeep’s goal.
The Liberian found Baldeep with a timely pass from the edge of the box and it was neatly swept in by the forward.
While United should be relieved to have earned the three points having done precious little in the match, the red lizards themselves were predictable and unimaginative. It was only from set pieces that they seemed to pose a threat.
Pune centre-back Calum Angus came closest to scoring in the first half with a powerful right-foot free-kick that swerved around the three-man wall and almost deceived a wrong-footed Jayata Paul at the United goal.
The towering Englishman later swung in a corner, from which Riga Mustapha could have scored had he kept his header on target. The Dutchman rose above his marker but placed the attempt over the crossbar.
At the break, Pune were forced to replace their Aussie striker James Meyer with Gabriel Fernandez, after he was charged down by Souuvik Chakraborty.
The first half was all tactical and both teams fought their battle in the midfield that at times required the referee’s intervention. Midfielder Lal Kamal Bhowmick and Brown were yellow carded for reckless tackles.
United have managed three points from two outings so far while Pune remain in the bottom of Group-A with just one point.
Sporting Club de Goa bt East Bengal 2-1
Sporting Club de Goa bt East Bengal 2-1
Malappuram: Sporting Club de Goa surprised defending champion East Bengal 2-1 in a Group 'B' match in the 35th Federation Cup football tournament being played at Payyanad Sports complex stadium here today.
Sporting forged ahead in the 18th minute through Victorino, while East Bengal's Sueoka scored the neutraliser in the 59th minute and Beevan D'Mello scored the winner for Sporting Club in the 85th minute.
