I-League: Pune FC rally to sink Air India 2-1

PUNE: Fancied and hosts Pune FC, who came from behind to defeat Air India 2-1 in the 17th round of the I-League at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mhalunge-Balewadi, on Friday.
Pune FC scored through Brazilian striker Edmar Figueira and Japanese midfielder Izumi Arata. The goals came in the 70th and 75th minutes respectively. Air India scored through Nigerian striker Okorogor Praise in the 31st minute.
Hosts Pune FC had the major share of ball control in the first half but lacked the finishing touch in the striking arena. On the other hand, Air India made three moves and managed to convert one in the third minute through Praise, who trapped a cross from Manjit Singh from the right. PFC goalkeeper Subrata Paul was beaten on his right corner.
In the absence of Keita Mandjou (two yellows), the PFC lacked in attack. At the breather, Air India were leading 1-0.
After the changeover, Air India missed a sitter through Praise with just rival custodian Paul at his mercy. The chance came in the 52nd minute.
Pune FC almost got an equaliser in the 56th minute but it was not to be after some comic scenes. Three
minutes later, Pune FC midfielder Venkatesh squandered a sitter.
Pune FC equalised in the 70th minute through Edmar, who slammed home a left footer after Asim Hassan crossed from the right. Edmar had a chance to take the lead but his side volley to a Gurjinder Kumar
cross from the left went inches away from the goal post.
Pune FC scored the second goal and the match winner in the 75th minute through Arata off a rebound from the bar after Paresh had taken the shot.
Pune FC collected 19 points from 16 matches while Air India have 11 points.