But even without their regular players, Rizvi should have won easily. Their lack of cohesion upfront and an incisive forward was their undoing.

Rizvi looked to holding on to the ball and moving forward but their moves were far too convoluted.

On the other hand, Republicans fought like underdogs. Their defence, manned by Romeo Albuquerque and Rajendra Singh, was air tight with Jose Mathews sticking to U Farooq on the left-wing like glue.

With Rizvi having a good share of the ball, Republicans forward thrusts were few and far between. But they were very decisive with 19-year-old Stanley Fernandes initiating the moves. The wiry player showed plenty of skill and held the ball for long periods, which came in handy when after Republicans had taken the lead.

Theyscored off the first penalty corner with Romel Pereira rolling the ball for Mukul Pandey to score in the 6th minute.

Rizvi equalised with their first penalty corner in the second half with Elton Menezes sounding the boards.

Republicans, who played with only one forward -- Sairam Vishnu -- with Stanley feeding him, got their equaliser through him. Vishnu, who exceled in harassing the Rizvi defence with his speed, took advantage of a one-to-one situation in the 52nd minute after Stanley setting him up.

Republicans meet Union Bank in the second round.