Pune FC lose in the semifinals of Durand Cup

New Delhi: Pune FC`s dreams of extending their historic run, after making it to their first-ever major semifinal, ended with a 0-2 loss to defending champions Prayag United in the semis of the 124th Durand Cup at the Ambedkar Stadium.

Prayag United scored once in each half, first through Lukram James Singh in the 29th minute and the another through Joshimar Martins in 81st minute. The loss was Pune FC`s second to Prayag United in the six encounters they have played in the elite division. Pune FC retained the same squad that played in the last game against Air-India, thereby removing all doubts about left-wing back Kamaljeet Singh`s taking the field owing to a niggle. Opting to get into an attacking mode, Pune FC forced a corner-kick in the fourth minute but could not force anything off it. Prayag, meanwhile, pushed forward through Joshimar DaSilva and Yusif Yakubu to keep the Pune FC defence busy. As the game approached the half hour mark, Prayag United broke the deadlock. Off a corner kick, Lukram James Singh did well to find the back of the net. At the half-way stage, Pune FC trailed 0-1. PTI