DSK Cup 2016: DSK Shivajians ‘A’ beat city rivals FC Pune City ‘A’ to make the Semi Final

North Korean Kim Song Yong’s late goal saw hosts DSK Shivajians overcome city rivals FC Pune City ‘A’ by a goal in the Pune Derby at the DSK Cup 2016.

Much was expected at the first Quarter Final of the DSK Cup 2016, where a Pune Derby of sorts was due to be played between DSK Shivajians FC ‘A’ and FC Pune City ‘A’. Boasting three foreigners, as well as a much of India’s U19 line-up, home team went into the match all guns blazing.

The early moments of the game saw FC Pune City ‘A’ display youthful exuberance in attack. A side comprised of their academy boys, they set-up to play on the counter, and play on the counter they did. With the star of the 2015 Subroto Cup Nijwm Muchahary on the right wing, FC Pune City followed their motive of hitting DSK Shivajians ‘A’ on the counter, breaking at every opportunity.

The defensive trio of Shane McFaul, Sajid Dhot and Jayanananda Singh were, however more than up to the task, soaking up the pressure. As the game progressed, the DSK Shivajians saw more and more of the ball, creating many an opportunity, but failing to convert.

By far the busier of the two keepers, Anuj Kumar of FC Pune City was kept occupied by DSK Shivajians’ attacking pair of Kim Song Yong and Naro Hari Shreshta. Just before half time, the match, crying out for some attacking impetus, saw a great run by the DSK Shivajian’s Captain Quero, only to be stopped in his tracks by rival custodian Kumar.

The second half kicked off in an unusually fiery manner, with a big tackle by Indian Youth International Jayananda Singh on Mohamed Nasir seeing tempers flare on the touchline. On the resumption of play, some slick passing by FC Pune City saw them up the ante on the hosts. This was, however, rather short lived, as the introduction of Pranjal Bhumij on the Left Wing proved to be the decisive change of the game.

Under concerted pressure for the most of the game, the visitors resolve finally gave way on the 80^th minute. Kim Song Yong proved the fox in the box with a sliding finish after a shot which topped off a dazzling run by Bhumij which proved too hot to handle for Anuj Kumar.

The remainder of the game showcased the difference in class between the two sides, with the visiting custodian looking almost relieved as the final whistle was blown. DSK Shivajians are due to play the first Semi-Final of the DSK Cup 2016 on the 18^th of November, against the winner of the second Quarter Final between Mumbai FC and Minerva AFC.

Match Details:

DSK Shivajians FC ‘A’ 1 – 0 FC Pune City ‘A’Kim Song Yong (80’)