I-League: Pune FC put on a brilliant show; down defending champions Bengaluru FC 3-1

Dominating right from the word go, goals from striker Darko Nikac (9th minute), defender Luciano Sabrosa (25th) and striker Thongkhosiem Haokip (81st) handed Pune FC a comfortable win. The hosts pulled one back through medio Eugeneson Lyngdoh (89th) but the goal proved to be a consolation goal.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Amrinder Singh also played a pivotal part in Pune FC’s win with a string of saves which saw him being adjudged the Man of the Match for his heroics.

The win was also Pune FC’s first in five games and helped them to move into the second place in the table with 4 points after two rounds.

Going into the game Coach Karim Bencherifa made two changes to the first eleven handing starts to new signings Edgar Marcelino and Darko Nikac.

After some half chances at either end in the opening ten minutes, Pune FC opened scoring in the ninth minute. Skipper Arata Izumi played a wonderful ball to set up Darko inside the box and the Montenegro international drilled home a low shot past the keeper to score on his first start.

Having conceded an early goal, Bengaluru FC tried to come back with a few counter attacks. However, the Pune FC backline led by Luciano Sabrosa, Mathew Gonsalves and keeper Amrinder Singh kept out all attacks from the hosts.

Meanwhile, Pune FC doubled their lead with a well taken set-piece in the 25th minute. Having earned a freekick on the left, Edgar curled in a brilliant ball into the box allowing Sabrosa to flick on a header which beat Lalthuanmawia Ralte in the Bengaluru FC goal.

At the other end, Amrinder continued his heroics in the Pune FC goal saving attempts from Sean Rooney, Egueneson and substitute Sunil Chhetri from close range.

Pune FC took their two goal lead into the breather.

The second half was a similar story as Pune FC continued their domination. Eight minutes in, Pune FC almost got their third. Darko kept the ball alive on the right near the goalline and cut back for Ryuji Sueoka inside the box. The Japanese chipped in a cross for an unmarked Haokip in front of the goal but the striker somehow headed wide from two yards out.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC came out of their shell and created a few close chances.

Around the hour mark, Pune FC survived three close attempts thanks to Amrinder’s brilliance under the bar.

The sturdy shot stopper first denied Rino Anto from close before blocking Joshua Walker powerful drive from 25 yards out. He followed the double saved by keeping John Johnson’s dangerous header on the ensuing corner.

Pune FC’s persistence paid off as they finally got their third in the 81st minute. Some good combination play between Ishfaq Ahmed and Arata Izumi saw the Pune FC skipper sent Sueoka clear on the left who sent in a neat low cross into the box. Haokip connected the ball which came off the crossbar and bounced inside the goal before coming back as Pune FC almost sealed the game.

The hosts, however, did manage to pull one back through Eugeneson in the dying minutes of the game, but Pune FC held on for a well-deserved win.

Hero of the Match: Amrinder Singh (PFC)