Pune end AFC Cup campaign with win

Already out of contention for a knock-out berth, Pune FC ended their AFC Cup campaign with a win over group leaders Kitchee SC of Hong Kong 2-0, their maiden victory on the continental stage.

Defender Zohmingliana Ralte’s (in pic) second half double strike (74th & 80th minute) handed Pune FC, who are playing in the AFC Cup for the first time this season, a win over the Group-H winners. The three points earned took Pune FC’s overall tally to six points but they remained fourth and last in the group behind Kitchee (13 points), Nay Pyi Taw (8) and Tampines Rovers (6). 

With injuries and suspensions to deal with, coach Mike Snoei made four changes to the starting lineup at the Shree Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex, handing starts to Mirjan Pavlovic, Prakash Thorat, Dhanpal Ganesh and Salam Ranjan Singh.

Pune FC’s hard work paid off in the second half as they took the lead in the 74th minute. Right-back Ralte’s scored with thumping header at the far post on Anthony’s corner kick in from the left. The home side’s celebrations were cut short as Kitchee were handed a lifeline a minute later at the other end. 

After Amrinder brought down Lam Ka Wai inside the box, the referee pointed to the spot. However, Amrinder made up for his mistake saving Belencoso’s penalty kick and blocking the rebound form Tarres.