I-League: Pune FC complete double over Shillong Lajong with a 1-0 win

An early goal from defender Zohmingliana Ralte (5th minute) handed Pune FC their second consecutive and eight overall win in the campaign. Moreover, the victory was also Pune FC’s third over Lajong this season having previously beaten them in the Federation Cup (December) and the I-League (January).

The three points earned took Pune FC’s tally to 29 points from 19 games as they stay in the fifth place behind East Bengal (29 pts) on goal difference.

Going into the game, Asst. Coach Gift Raikhan made one change to the squad with Ishfaq Ahmed replacing Edgar Marcelino in the starting lineup.

Pune FC had the perfect start to the game taking the lead in the 5th minute. Arata’s in-swinging delivery on a corner kick from the left flank put Lajong custodian Kunzang Bhutia under pressure. With the keeper failing to clear the ball Ralte capitalised to head home from close range after the ball came off the woodwork for his first goal of the season.

Having taken the lead, Pune FC continued to push ahead and created a couple more close chances in the following ten minutes. In the seventh minute, Ishfaq Ahmed set up striker Darko Nikac on the left. The Montenegro-international cut inside, created space and let fly from distance but his effort was saved by Bhutia.

While at the other end, hosts Lajong had a few half chances, Pune FC went close once again in the 16th minute. This time striker Thongkhosiem Haokip created space and tried to lay off for playmaker Ryuji Sueoka rushing into the box but the pass had too much power.

Five minutes later, it was Ishfaq who went close. The Kashmiri midfielder ran solo on the left flank before cutting in and taking a crack on goal. The effort sailed just over the horizontal.

Thereafter, Lajong began to dominate proceedings. The hosts kept control of the possession for long durations as Pune FC were restricted to a handful of counter attacks. The likes of Cornell Glenn, Seminlen Doungel and Durga Boro went extremely close on multiple occasions. However, some good defending from Luciano Sabrosa and Zohmingliana Ralte along with the some excellent reflexes from keeper Amrinder Singh kept Lajong at bay.

The resolute defending helped Pune FC maintain their narrow 1-0 lead going into the breather.

The second half began with both sides battling out hard in the midfield. Half chances fell for both Pune FC and Lajong but some poor finishing meant the scoreline stayed unchanged.

Ten minutes into the second half, Pune FC suffered a blow when defender Ralte had to be taken off after suffering an injury. He was replaced by youngster Salam Ranjan Singh to partner Luciano in the defense.

Minutes later, Pune FC went close once again. After soaking pressure, Pune FC regained possession and moved ahead on a quick counter attack. Playmaker Ryuji Sueoka did well to find Ishfaq clear on the left who controlled and sent in a cross which went straight to the keeper.

At the other end, Pune FC had a close shave surviving back-to-back attempts. First, in the 59th minute, Khelemba Meitei connected Nim Tamang’s cross in from the right. However, his effort from close range went inches wide of the framework.

Two minutes later, it was Seminlen who went agonisingly close but his shot on Cornell Glenn’s cross into the box came off the crossbar keeping Pune FC’s narrow lead intact.

As Pune FC held off constant attacks from the Lajong frontline, they had a great chance of doubling their lead in the 83rd minute. A quick breakaway move saw Sueoka run down the midfield and find Arata Izumi on the right who controlled and sent in a perfectly timed ball for Ishfaq clear on the left. The midfielder managed to get a good touch but went just wide of the woodwork as he tried to chip the keeper.

Meanwhile, Lajong had a couple more chances in the final five minutes, but the Pune FC defense managed to hold on for a hard earned win.