Pune FC maintained their winning run in the preseason with a comfortable 2-0 friendly win over FC Air India at the Cooperage Ground in Mumbai.
Goals from winger Anthony D’Souza (23rd minute) and attacker Prakash Thorat (50th) handed Pune FC their fourth win in a row at the start of the Mumbai-leg of the preseason.
Like the previous games, Coach Karim Bencherifa utilised a total of 21 players throughout the match while even handing starts to new foreign recruits Luciano Sabrosa and Ryuji Sueoka for the first time.
After a few half chances early on the game, Sueoka created the first real chance of the game for Pune FC. His perfectly time through ball had Anthony go one-on-one with the ‘keeper but the winger failed to find a finish.
Moments later, Anthony went close couple of times before finally opening the scoring midway through the first half. This time the Goan timed his run to perfection, controlled striker Shoaib Syed’s through ball and slotted it between the Air India custodian’s legs to give Pune FC the lead.
At the half hour mark, Pune FC survived a scare after keeper Arup Debnath and skipper Anas Edathodika clashed trying to clear the same ball. However, quick thinking from Anas helped Pune FC keep their lead intact.
Goalscorer Anthony once again went close in the final moments of the half. However, his header from close range was saved by the Air India ‘keeper as the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Pune FC.
The second half began frantically with both sides pushing up. However, it was Pune FC who scored once again. Five minutes in, substitute Prakash capitalised on a great through ball from medio Arata Izumi to round off the ‘keeper and slot home.
As Pune FC continued to dominate proceedings, a slight error in judgement almost gave the hosts a lifeline. The defensive pair of Luciano and Anas was caught after a big gap between them was exploited by an Air India attacker to run free towards the goal. However, substitute goalkeeper Md. Ansari kept his calm and thwarted the attempt in a one-on-one situation.
Pune FC created a few chances towards the end, but Air India defended deep to keep the score 2-0.
The Team
Pune FC: Arup (GK) (46’; Ansari), Matthew (71’; Srikanth), Anas (78’; Henry), Luciano (87’; Ralte), Raju (46’; Jessel), Mumtaz, Arata (66’; Snehashis), Puia (46’; Ramlua), Anthony (46’; Bineesh), Shoaib (46’; Prakash), Sueoka (87’; Dena)
Air India: Rahul, Baldeep, Faizal, Wayne, Rawat, Vijith, Siddharth, Merwyn, Nikhil, Parmar, Annes
