Margao: Formidable Pune FC continued their resurgence under man-of-the- match Keita Mandjou as the visitors registered a methodical 2-0 win over table toppers Churchill Brothers in a 11th round of I-League football match played at the Nehru stadium, Fatorda on Wednesday.
Pune FC, who have improved their performance having won three of their last four matches since the return of Keita, the striker was at the heart of Pune’s victory. Keita scored the opening goal and then Gurjinder Kumar sealed full points six minutes from close. Both the goals came in the second half.
Pune increased their tally to 18 points from 11 matches, while Churchill stayed on 23 points from as many matches.
Both teams had their chances in the first session and, if they were on target, could have killed the match inside the first 45 minutes. Churchill’s young midfielder Lalrindika Ralte was the outstanding performer for his side but early in the game he saw his stunning left-footer hit the crossbar and rebound, and minutes later he put striker Henri Autchouet through but the Gabonese striker’s attempt was nullified by an equally alert Pune FC goalkeeper Abhra Mondal.
Pune FC had their chances at the other end and Chika Wali should have done better than direct a loose attempt on the post when left all alone. A minute later, Chika was again in the thick of action but this time too he ended with a weak attempt when picked out inside the goalmouth by Lester Fernandez.
Keita also went close for Pune FC as his header amazingly hit the crossbar with goalkeeper Felix D’Souza nowhere in the picture. (UNI)