I-League: Pune FC rally to hold Salgaocar to a 1-1 draw

Pune FC came from behind to hold Salgaocar to a 1-1 draw in the Airtel I-League played at Duler Stadium, Mapusa in Duler, Goa.

The draw keeps Salgaocar at the top of the table with 18 points from nine matches, while Pune FC, who have played one match less than Salgaocar, are following the leaders one point behind.

Salgaocar started well and took an early lead in the 4th minute through Darryl Duffy, capitalising on the error from left back Gurjinder Kumar, who back-headed the ball to his goalkeeper with Duffy lurking in the area.

The Scottish striker pounced on the loose ball, controlled it and beat keeper Amrinder Singh (rpt Singh) before tapping the ball into the net.

The early setback put Pune FC into the backfoot as Salgaocar went on attacking from the flanks and came close to increasing the lead on few occasions, but defender Gurjinder Kumar made amends to his early lapse by blocking Duffy and Francis, shot from close.

Debutant Matthew Foscini made his presence felt towards the end of the first half when he sent a cross from the right to Gnakpa, who relayed the ball to Duffy. The latter set up Oliveira just outside the box, who missed the right post by a whisker.

Image: Pune FC striker Riga Mustapha (right) is challenged by a Salgaocar defender during their I-League match on Friday