Pune FC ended their campaign in the U-19 I-League 2014 with a 2-1 win over PIFA Colaba FC in a Round-10 encounter at the Goan Sports Association Ground in Churchgate, Mumbai on Friday.
Pune FC took the lead through medio Altamash Sayed (25th minute) in the first half before Neel Shah (79th) equalised in the final quarter of the match. However, a late goal from substitute Vikas Zanje (89th) handed Pune FC a win.
The victory was Pune FC’s fifth in the campaign and also meant that they have now beaten every opponent in the Maharashtra Zone at least once. The result took their tally to 17 points from eight games as they finished zonal runners-up behind AIFF Regional Academy (21 pts).
Coach Naushad Moosa made two changes to the lineup handing starts to goalkeeper Sukhadev Patil and defender Md. Saukat.
The game began with Pune FC dominating proceedings from the beginning and took the lead midway through the half. A sweet move in the midfield culminated in winger Chesterpaul Lyngdoh setting up medio Altamash who made no mistake finishing off calmly on the through ball.
Pune FC took their one goal lead into the breather.
The second half was a similar story as Pune FC kept pushing up. However, it was the hosts who pulled level against the run of play. A quick move on a counter attack saw attacker Neel tapping in from inside the box to restore parity.
Just when it looked like the game would end in a draw, substitute Vikas – on for medio C. Kiran – scored the winner two minutes from time. The Pune-born striker controlled Chesterpaul’s pass before making his way past a host of defenders on the left and finished at the far post.