Panaji: Pune FC went down 0-1 to Salgaocar FC in the final of the 127th Durand Cup at the Raia Sports Complex here on Saturday.
Despite creating chances throughout their first Durand Cup final, Pune FC were let down by wayward finishing. The runners-up finish meant that Pune FC fell short of capturing their first silverware.
Midfielder Thangjam Saran Singh’s 21st minute strike was enough for Salgaocar to clinch victory as Pune FC suffered their first competitive defeat under coach Karim Bencherifa.
Furthermore, while Pune FC created a host of chances, it was keeper Karanjit Singh whose saves for Salgaocar proved vital.
As the game progressed, Pune FC were dealt a blow as striker Prakash Thorat had to be substituted by Shoaib Syed (19th minute) after twisting his ankle.
The second half was a different story as Pune FC began to dominate more.
After some half chances at either end, Pune FC went extremely close in the 67th minute. Lalrempuia floated in a cross from the right to winger B Balan whose header was cleared. The clearance fell for skipper A Izumi whose effort from the loose ball went wide.
Restricting Salgaocar to counter-attacks, Pune FC increased their pressure and 10 minutes later almost pulled one back. Sueoka’s cut back from the left found substitute Eric Brown, who drilled in a low effort. Arata, in the box, tried to put it into the goal with a clever touch only for the attempt to go wide.
After Shoaib earned a foul outside the box on the right, Eric stepped up and curled in the free-kick. The effort at the first post was palmed away by the keeper with an outstretched dive. It went 0-1 down into the breather which came from a corner. Pune continued to press but with the home side defending deep, they failed to get a clear shot before Salgaocar closed in on the win. (IANS)