pushing app does not appear to work

Just doing an eval on Manage Engine MDM build 92142, the profile is syncing without issue but cannot "push" google free apps.

currently I am testing with two devices which are Samsung Galaxy Tab E (android 6.0.1, Knox 2.6) with sim cards

I am able to see the published app in the MDM app on the device and can select to install it from there, Is this the way it is supposed to work?

Even by going to Device Management -> Distribute apps -> force

and also going to the device MDM app -> device details -> sync Server

I never see the app count change for managed apps, it shows that the installation count is 1 (should be 2)

I see other users are also having a problem with "pushing" apps, is there a problem?