On Tuesday, Pune FC started their Group D match of the 31st Federation Cup against Dempo knowing they could stand up to the former I-League champions, having held them 1-1 not so long back in the League.
Perhaps Dempo too were conscious of this. They stuttered and this time Pune FC stunned them 2-1 to throw open the group.
The Goa League champions though started well. Sameer Naik and Clifford Miranda asked questions from the left flank and striker Ranty Martins fluffed an easy chance.
But with playmaker Beto was ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury inside the first 30 minutes, Dempo faltered and Pune FC began plugging the holes.
The second half saw Derrick Pereira's team attack more, thanks to PIO Izumi Arata and Douhou Pierre’s enterprise.
They dropped down to thwart Dempo threats and then moved up quickly to attempt hitting on the break.
As Pune FC switched gears, Dempo slowly started disintegrating. In the absence of a functioning midfield, Ranty Martins and Sunil Chhetri seemed like they were making up the numbers. But against the run of play, Dempo struck through Miranda.
Pune FC hit back with Arata’s ferocious grounder that took goalkeeper Tyson Caiado by surprise.
{{/usCountry}}Pune FC hit back with Arata’s ferocious grounder that took goalkeeper Tyson Caiado by surprise.
{{/usCountry}}Having found the goal, Pune FC started pressing for another. Sergey Tokov was brought in to boost the midfield but it was Brazilian’s Edmar Figueira who scored.