The Pune FC Under-15s campaign in the Manchester United Premier Cup 2014 came to an end after a 0-2 loss to Ernakulam DFA Academy, Kerala at the Shree Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune on Tuesday.
Needing a win to progress to the knockout stage, Pune FC were outdone by attacker Varghese Kutty Joy’s brace (18th and 25th minute) which handed the Kerala side all three points.
The loss in the final group game saw Pune FC (3 points) drop down to third place in Group-A while missing out on qualification to the semifinals as the best second-placed team in all groups.
The home side pressed in the first half and went close through strikers Jagdeesh Gadewad and Cladeo Nongpluh. The pair, however, failed to convert the chances in the opponents’ box.
At the other end, Varghese scored from close range on either side of the half to send Ernakulam through to the semis.