Pune FC  have won the U-20 I-League title with a 2-0 win against Shillong Lajong FC, their fourth win-in-a-row in the Final Round at the Kalyani Stadium, West Bengal yesterday. It is the first national level title for any of the Pune FC teams, who are serious about youth development as part of the work at the club.

After three wins against Churchill Brothers SC (3-0), Dempo SC (3-1) and Mumbai FC (4-0); Pune FC knew going into the match against Shillong Lajong FC that three points would give them the title before they meet Prayag United SC.

Pune FC decided the match in the first session itself with goals from captain Suji Kumar in the 21st minute and William Lalnenfula in the 41st minute. That was enough for Pune FC to seal the match and the title over their closest rivals Mumbai FC, who are on nine points. And even with a win and Pune FC losing Mumbai FC would lose the head-to-head count.

With a match to go Pune FC have won all their eight Under-20 I-League matches so far. Earlier in the qualifiers in Navi Mumbai, Pune FC had beaten HAL Bangalore (5-1), Air India (4-1), Chirag United Kerala (2-0) and Mumbai FC (3-2).

Published with permission from Arunava about Football.