Thaindian News

Pune/Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) Meghalaya’s Royal Wahingdoh made a dream start in their maiden Federation Cup football campaign shocking 13 time winners, Mohun Bagan 2-1 in a first round Group A match at Pune’s Balewadi Sports Complex here Saturday.

In other matches on the opening day, Kolkata side Mohammedan Sporting held title holders, East Bengal to a 1-1 draw, while Goa’s Churchill Brothers got past Shillong’s Lajong Football Club 3-1. Puen FC pipped Goa’s Dempo Sports Club 2-1.

Exposing the Mohun Bagan defence, Wahingdoh Chenco scored a brace only within a span of six minutes (49th, 54th) in the second session, before Ashim Biswas managed to pull one back in the 75th minute for the Kolkata giants.

Bagan were unlucky not to have surged into the lead in the first half. Once Sunil Chhetri was deprived by the post twice and then Jose Barreto’s head hit the crosspiece — but that was all in the first half.

Changing over, it was an entirely different ball game. Taking advantage of Bagan’s three-man defence, Wahingdoh stretched the game to the flanks. And a slow Rakesh Masih and Anwar Ali further helped their cause. Add to that, a frustrated N.P. Pradeep being sent off for a second yellow, Mohun Bagan failed to match the Wahingdoh pace.

Earlier in the day in Kolkata’s Salt Lake stadium, Pune beat Dempo 2-1 in a group C game.

Pune FC surged into the lead as early as the eight minute through Mandjou Keita. And then, Jeje Lalpeklua doubled the score in the 20nd minute. Dempo pulled one back through Joy Ferrao in the 89th minute.

It was a totally one-sided match where Pune FC pressed hard and never allowed Dempo to settle down. The flurry of Pune attacks further bogged Dempo down.

Another match in the same group saw Mohammedan Sporting attack relentlessly in the first half and go ahead when Cyprian Stanley converted from the spot in the 20th minute. The penalty was awarded after Han Wook was brought down in the box by East Bengal goalkeeper Sandip Nandy.

Changing over, East Bengal came back with a purpose. An amazing display of short passes caught Sporting on the wrong foot, as Sanju Pradhan equalised for East Bengal in the 53rd minute - giving the much needed relief to the defending Champions.

Churchill beat Lajong 3-1 in Group A. Roberto Silva curled in a free-kick past rival goalkeeper Gumpe Rime in the 57th minute to give Churchill the lead.

Boithang Haokipe restored parity for Lajong in the 70th minute only for Henri Rebienot to regain the lead for Churchill. In the dying minutes, Opara Ndubuisi scored yet again for Churchill in 87th minute.