At the DSK Cup 2016 today, DSK Shivajians ‘A’ defeat city rivals Pune Derby via a late goal by North Korean Kim Song Yong.
The Match
In the first quarterfinal of the DSK Cup 2016 DSK Shivajians FC ‘A’ and FC Pune City ‘A’ were pitted against each other. Shivajians side, boasting three foreigners, as well as a much of India’s U19 line-up, went into the match all guns blazing.
Starting the game, FC Pune City ‘A’ displayed youthful exuberance in attack. A side comprising their academy boys which they set-up to play on the counter, and that’s just what they did. Pune City followed their motive of hitting DSK Shivajians ‘A’ on the counter and the star of the 2015 Subroto Cup Nijwm Muchahary on the right wing breaking at every opportunity. Shane McFaul, Sajid Dhot and Jayanananda Singh who form the core of defense of DSK Shivajians were, however ready to foil any such moves. As the game moved forward, Shivajians started getting more possession of the ball, and it followed creating many an opportunity. They, however, kept failing in the conversion.
Anuj Kumar, the goalkeeper of FC Pune City was kept busy by DSK Shivajians’ strikers Kim Song Yong and Naro Hari Shreshta. Minutes before the half time, DSK Shivajians got their attacking impetus as Captain Quero almost got the better of rival custodian Kumar.
Coming off the break, the spectator saw a big tackle by Indian Youth International Jayananda Singh on Mohamed Nasir resulting in 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 livid environment was, however, short lived, as the introduction of Pranjal Bhumij on the Left Wing proved to be the decisive change of the game. The visitors resolve finally gave way on the 80th minute and Kim Song Yong scored the lone goal of the match. 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 Kumar. There were no further inroads to the goal posts as the match ended 1-0 in favor of DSK Shivajians.
Shivajians will play the first Semi-Final on the November 18 against the winner of the second Quarter Final between Mumbai FC and Minerva AFC.
Final Scores:
DSK Shivajians FC ‘A’ beat FC Pune City ‘A’ 1 – 0
Kim Song Yong (80’)