The Hindu : Sport / Football : Pune FC, Army Red register wins

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Pune FC, Army Red register wins

NEW DELHI: Pune FC put up a compact show at the Ambedkar Stadium on Friday even as it scored a 2-0 victory over Indian Air Force in a Group ‘B' match of the Durand Cup football tournament here. The goals came in either half.

Earlier, Army Red overcame MEG, Bangalore 3-0 in Group ‘A' to brighten its chances of a semifinal slot. MEG, with two defeats, made an unexpected early exit from the competition. K. Ajayan and S. Venkatesh, having seen some bitter contests at this venue, did not stretch themselves as they controlled the midfield to keep Air Force guessing right through. The Brazilian striker, Edmar Figueira, attacked relentlessly and his opportunism fetched him two goals befitting his efforts.

Ajayan loves to be in the thick of action and the untiring Venkatesh added to the thrust with his constant shuffling of position. There was work to do for the two as Air Force left gaps in midfield and opted to play safe by defending. In the process, Air Force lowered its guard at crucial stages and suffered a defeat that was always on the cards.

Venkatesh was incisive in his forays upfront and Ajayan backed the moves with plenty of verve. Once Figueira got a grasp of proceedings, it was a matter of time before Pune FC took the lead. The Brazilian had come close to scoring twice but fired wide when hurried to take aim. But he succeeded just before half time when he found himself superbly placed to receive a square ball from Asim Hassain. At the top of the box, Figueira dodged a defender and deftly left-footed the ball into the goal.

The second half progressed on expected lines and Pune FC's second goal only confirmed the team's domination. Figueira was on target again as he slotted home a loose ball that came his way inside the box. Air Force had been outplayed by a superior opposition. — Special Correspondent

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