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Dempo, Bagan left stunned
By way of first day upsets at the Federation Cup, former champions Dempo bore the ignominy against a fast and composed 10-man Pune FC.
By way of first day upsets at the Federation Cup, former champions Dempo bore the ignominy against a fast and composed 10-man Pune FC.
Jeje Lalpekhlua set up Keita Mandjou with a searing cross from the right in the 7th minute and the Pune FC striker had no difficulty in drilling home the first goal. In the 19th minute Lester Fernandes provided a cross to Lalpekhlua who placed the ball past Dempo custodian Subhasish Roychowdhury.
Pune FC had Fernandes sent off in the 70th minute after it was found out that he had taken to the field wearing a different numbered jersey. Peter Carvalho’s extra-time strike from close came too late for Dempo to save the match.
Chenco fired in two goals as
qualifiers Royal Wahingdoh stunned fancied Mohun Bagan 2-1 in their opening tie with strikes in the 49th and 54th minutes. Mohun Bagan reduced the margin in the 75th minute through Ashim Biswas.
Defending champions East Bengal were held by Mohammedan Sporting. Stanley Okoroiowe’s 17th minute penalty, after East Bengal custodian Sandip Nandy tripped Han Wook, was cancelled by Sanju Pradhan’s 25-yard strike.
