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Mohun Bagan came back strongly, after an away defeat last week against Royal Wahingdoh, to beat Pune FC 2-0 at Pune. Jeje Lalpekhlua and Katsumi Yusa scored in either half to secure yet another win for the Kolkata giants. The Hero I-League leaders increased their lead at the top to three points from over Bengaluru FC with a game less played.
Mohun Bagan were without their marquee forward Pierre Boya upfront. Also regular first team forward Balwant Singh missed the game due to a red card in the previous game. Jeje Lalpekhlua played as the lone striker upfront as Sanjoy Sen fielded his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Manish Bhargav made a first team appearance after a long time.
Karim Bencherifa was also boosted with the presence of his all four foreigners as Darko Nikac and Edgar Marcelino came back after injury. Pune FC had to win this game to remain in the title race and thus a mouth watering clash was on the cards.
As expected the game began in high intensity as both the teams opted for attacking and fast paced game. Mohun Bagan picked up an early goal in the 6th-minute courtesy a fine team move. Denson Devadas received a ball inside the penalty box at wide angle and attempted to lob it. The ball went past Amrinder Singh and hit the bar. The Pune FC defenders failed to clear it as an opportunistic Jeje Lalpekhlua reached the spot at the correct time and tapped the ball inside the goal.
Pune FC try to fight back
Jeje had one more easy chance immediately to double his tally, but his attempt went wide. Pune FC from thereon increased the intensity of the attacks to find the equaliser. Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, depended on counter-attacks. The first half ended with the away side leading by a goal.
The second half too witnessed exciting box to box football as both teams played attacking football. Sony Norde was looking dangerous upfront but was heavily marked by the home defenders. On the other end, Darko Nikac got a few chances but he was caught offside several times.
At the stroke of the hour mark, Mohun Bagan won a free-kick just outside the penalty box. Sony Norde went ahead and attempted a curling shot which hit the post and went out.
Just when Pune FC were edging close to an equaliser, Mohun Bagan pulled the trigger at the other end. An energetic Katsumi Yusa converted a low header from Sony Norde’s cross.
Today’s win places Mohun Bagan in a convincing position in the league table. They are now clear favourites to clinch the title.
