I-League: Pune FC held to a 1-1 draw by Salgaocar FC in the opener

In a game dominated majorly by Pune FC it was winger Anthony D’Souza (45th minute) who put them a goal up in the first half before substitute Gilbert Oliveira (80th) pulled Salgaocar level.

The game had a few close moments where Pune FC were denied a goal in the opening five minutes despite putting the ball into the back of the net. And the penalty kick that followed had Ryuji Sueoka fluff the attempt from the spot which proved decisive.

Having split the points, Pune FC (1 pt) share the top spot in the league table with Salgaocar FC (1 pt).

Playing their third game against Salgaocar this season, Pune FC took to the field with just two foreigners, Ryuji Sueoka and Luciano Sabrosa. Despite that, Pune FC began the game in dominating fashion attacking the rival goal from the word go.

The constant pressure paid off as Pune FC had a great chance in the sixth minute. After Sueoka was fouled on the right flank, Anthony floated in a freekick into the box. The melee resulted in striker Thongkhosiem Haokip putting the ball into the net but the referee whistled for a penalty kick as Gurjinder Kumar handled the ball during the move. Sueoka who stepped up to take the spot kick had his low attempt come of the vertical.

Thereafter Pune FC continued to dominate proceedings and created more chances. However, some poor finishing in the final third let them down.

At the other end, Salgaocar were restricted to a handful of counter attacks but the Pune FC defense led by Sabrosa and Zohmingliana Ralte stayed firm thwarting all attempts.

Meanwhile, Pune FC almost opened scoring in the 33rd minute. Defender Mathew Gonsalves timed his run well to control a through pass on the right and sent in a dangerous low ball into the eight-yard box. The cross was cleared but the second ball fell for Anthony who kept it alive on the left but his attempt too was blocked.

After continuously attacking the rival goal, Pune FC finally broke the deadlock in the 45th minute. Having dispossessed an opponent on the left flank, Haokip sent Anthony clear down the wing. Anthony controlled and set on a solo racing past his marker before blasting his shot into the roof of the net from inside the box past a helpless Subrata Paul.

Salgaocar created a couple of close chances in the dying minutes of the half through Douhou Pierre and Saran Singh but the Pune FC defense held on to their narrow lead going into the breather.

The second half was a similar story as Pune FC continued to press from the very beginning. Having had a few half chances in the opening ten minutes of the second half, Pune FC had another chance in the 57th minute.

Striker Haokip controlled a throw in just beside the goalline on the right and turned well to deceive his marker and create space inside the box. But the attempt that followed was totally wayward from close range.

At the other end, Salgaocar were pushing ahead through medio Douhou. But the Ivorian playmaker was marked out well by Ralte.

Midway through the half, it was Haokip who once again had a great chance. A sliding clearance from Luciano sent Haokip into the clear inside the Salgaocar half. The striker controlled well and tried to run past Augustin Fernandes and Francis Kasonde but was denied by the Zambian stopper.

While Pune FC continued to push up in the final quarter of the game, it was Salgaocar who pulled level against the run of play. A spell of possession outside the Pune FC box ended in Douhou running clear on the right inside the box. The Ivorian cut back a neat ball for substitute Gilbert who made no mistake in converting at the far post.

Pune FC then brought in new signing Darko Nikac for the final ten minutes and the Montenegrin striker created a chance almost instantly. Luciano’s perfect lobbed pass aimed saw Darko control brilliantly inside the box on the right but his cut back was cleared by the Salgaocar defense.

Deep into injury time, Pune FC had another chance having earned a corner kick. However, Luciano who connected Sueoka’s set up couldn’t keep his header down as the game ended 1-1.