Pune FC rally to beat Shillong Lajong

Pune FC rallied from a goal down to beat Shillong Lajong 3-1 and open their Hero Federation Cup football tournament campaign on a winning note at Tilak Stadium in Vasco.

Shillong Lajong surged ahead in the 16th minute through Lalrammuana when he ran through the rival defence and beat the advancing keeper before slotting the ball into the net in the Group B match.

Down by a goal, Pune FC regrouped and made attacking moves with Eric Brown, Zodhmingliana Ralte and Arata Izumi coming close to scoring until Anthony D'Souza uncorked a low drive to beat the keeper to his left a few minute before the break. Both the teams went into half time on even note.

The second half saw Pune FC dominating with Arata, Sueoka and Brown combining well as they kept up the pressure and took the lead in the 66th minute.

Eric Brown sent a through ball on the left and Anthony D'Souza took the shot which rival keeper Bhutia made a save only to see the ball go to lurking Arata who fired home from close range in the 66th minute

Eric Brown then ensured that his team collect full points as he picked up the ball and ran into the rival box before taking a rasping shot to find the net.

Image: Pune FC player and Shillong Lajong player in action during the Federation Cup

Photograph: PTI