Pune FC 2-1 Prayag United - The Red Lizards Come From A Goal Behind To Move Ahead Of The Kolkatan Side In The League Standings

Pune FC recorded their 10^th win of the campaign, as they came from behind to beat Prayag United 2-1 at an I-League round 20 encounter at the Balewadi sports complex in Pune.

Yusif Yakubu had put the visitors ahead in the 41^st minute before Mandjou Keita nodded home the equaliser in the 49^th minute and Karma Tsewang then bundled home the winner in the 71^st minute.

Derrick Pereira named the same eleven who started in their win against Dempo SC, while Bello Rasaq partnered Arnab Mondal in Prayag United’s defence.

The away side started the brighter of the two teams, but soon the Red Lizards settled down and had the first opportunity of the game when Douhou Pierre unleashed a shot from well outside the box which Jagroop Singh saved, after some promising build-up play by his team-mates.

Soon Baldeep Singh and Othallo Tabia too had chances, but both failed to take them, before Mandjou Keita missed an absolute sitter from six yards as he failed to direct his header towards goal.

Yusif Yakubu then replied with a shot of his own from inside the box, but Amrinder Singh collected it with ease.

Izumi Arata and Gurjinder Singh then had chances to put the hosts ahead, but the former failed to keep the ball in play after rounding the keeper, while Gurjinder’s right footed attempt went just wide.

Pune FC were made to pay for their profligacy, when Yakubu outmuscled Caitano Costa and slotted the ball past Amrinder in the 41^st minute to leave the home supporters shell-shocked.

The hosts though, learned from their mistakes in the first half, and equalised within four minutes of the re-start, as Mandjou Keita got his head to a Othallo Tabia long throw to bring his side on level terms with their Kolkatan rivals.

Derrick Pereira’s men then pushed forward in search for the winner, but Karma and Keita both failed to make the most of their opportunities, as their first touch deserted them.

Karma though made up for his error when he finally put the home side ahead in the 71^st minute as after the winger had failed to collect the ball cleanly once again, Jagroop Singh fumbled in his attempt to collect. This allowed Karma another bite at the cherry and this time he made no error in putting the ball in the back of the net.

Pune FC defended resolutely thereafter as they tried to hold on to their advantage. The away side’s frustration was there for all to see as Yakubu resorted to shots from well outside the box.

Eventually the referee blew the final whistle, as Pune FC registered a vital win which sends them above Prayag United into sixth spot.