Panaji: Pune FC sealed their semi-final berth in the Durand Cup with a 1-0 win over Vasco SC in their final Group IV encounter at the Raia Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Pune FC’s win was powered by two debutants — attacker Bineesh Balan and keeper Monirizzaman Ansari. Bineesh’s lone strike (30th minute) turned out to be the winner, Ansari’s brilliant penalty save (52nd) also helped Pune FC to a second consecutive win.
The win also took Pune FC’s tally to six points in Group IV ahead of Vasco SC and Churchill Brothers. It not only turned out to be their best ever group stage performance but also helped them qualify for a second semis after 2011.
Pune FC continued their domination and went close once again. Medio Dhanpal Ganesh’s long range strike was palmed away by the keeper for a corner kick. The set-piece that followed, gave Pune FC a well-deserved lead.
The second half was a similar affair with both teams attacking from the word go. However, it was Vasco who almost equalised in the 49th minute.
Pune FC defender gave away a penalty.
However, striker Emmanuel Ejiogu effort was brilliantly saved by keeper Ansari to keep Pune FC in charge.
