FC Pune City managed to secure a fortunate 1-0 win against Mumbai City FC in Thursday’s drab Indian Super League encounter that only came to life in the final fifteen minutes.
Eugeneson Lyngdoh who made his first appearance for this season, scored an opportunistic goal in the 89th minute to give his side a crucial three points. A result which catapults FC Pune City to fourth position in the points table.
Speaking to the media after the match, the central midfielder displayed no emotions but said he was happy to begin his season on the right note, “I want to thank the coach for giving me the opportunity to play after the long journey. The league this year seems more competitive as more players have come in.”
The home side dominated proceedings for large parts of the match but failed to take their chances. Matías Defederico couldn’t generate enough power in his shot when he was presented with a good chance. In the second half, Forlan missed the best chance of the match as his effort was expertly parried away by Pune's keeper, Edel Bete.
FC Pune City coach Antonio Habas admitted his side were lucky to come away with 3 points.“Both the matches between us have been very similar. In Pune, Mumbai didn’t deserve to win. Here in Mumbai, maybe we didn’t deserve to win the game but we scored. I am very happy with how the team played today”, he stated.
Like in their previous matches, the Stallions found it tough to create any clear cut opportunities but Antonio made it clear that his Pune team shouldn’t be counted out by any means.
“We still don’t know if we can secure the playoff spot, let’s see. Our team has different kind of players. Maybe we don’t have the great attacking quality that Mumbai has but our team is very strong”, he said. “ At the moment with discipline and sacrifice, my players are doing their best. Who would have imagined that Atletico de Kolkata would win the Indian Super League in the first season?”
FC Pune City had to replace their marquee player Eidur Gudjohnsen early in the pre-season as he suffered an ankle injury. They brought in Mohamed Sissoko who has performed supremely well as a defensive midfielder.
The coach said the change has also led to a change in the way Pune play their football. “Our first marquee player was an attacking one. We had to change our style when we replaced him. So now we need more time to adapt to the situation”, Habas concluded.
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