Kolkata: Pune FC wrote a new page in their history annals logging their first ever win over Mohun Bagan in Kolkata at the Kalyani Stadium, on Thursday.
The convincing 3-1 victory logged in the I-League Round-16 encounter helped Pune FC move into 2nd spot. Pune FC swelled their points tally to 46 points and trail leaders Churchill Brothers (51 points).
Strikes from playmaker Douhou Pierre (27th minute), striker James Moga (64th) and winger Karma Tsewang (77th) proved enough for Pune FC to canter to their 14th win of the season, which by far is the best ever in four seasons of top flight football. Earlier, in Season-3 (2011-12) Pune FC ended with 13 wins.
Interestingly, the result turned out the 10th away win for Pune FC this season and also avenged the IFA Shield (0-3) loss at the same venue earlier this year.
The host’s who trailed down 0-3 scored a consolation through striker Odafa Okolie in the second minute of 7 minutes of added time. Pune FC victory also turned out to be the second instance this when Bagan let in 3 goals.
Both teams began the game building up moves from the midfield. After few half chances at either end Bagan went close to open the scoring only for the alert Pune FC defense to avert danger.
At the quarter-hour mark, left-back Syed Rahim Nabi was put clean through down the right behind Gurjinder Kumar. The defender beat Chika Wali and attacked the goal, but Anas Edathodika came to the rescue and cleared before the shot was taken.
A minute later, Anas denied Odafa with a brilliant block inside the box. At the other end, Pune FC striker Moga was hacked down to the ground by Aiborlang Khongjee with the referee waiving play-on.
Midway through the half, Pune FC took the lead. Winger Khanthang Paite, put free into space down the right, had his perfect cut back dummied over by Moga as Douhou came in late and curls it in from the top of the box.
Pune FC began to control the game after taking the lead and wasted a brilliant opportunity to increase their tally. Karma with a clear chance after Douhou fed him into acres of space in box, had his attempt blocked off by custodian Shilton Paul.