ISL 2: Pune pounce on visitors Mumbai
Both the teams were without their key Indian players who are currently on national duty
Pune: FC Pune City got off to a flying start in the second season of Indian Super League after thrashing Mumbai City FC 3-1 in Maharashtra derby clash at Balewadi stadium here on Monday
Turkish attacking midfielder Tuncay Sanli scored a brace while Indian winger Israil Gurung netted the third goal after assisting the first two. French striker Frederic Piquionne netter first half equaliser for the visitors but the hosts scored two more after the break to give a home crowd of 8,734 a moment to rejoice.
Mumbai City FC manager cum player Nicolas Anelka didn’t start and FC Pune City were also without their marquee player Adrian Mutu of Romania for an hour. Veteran Ivory Coast international Didier Zokora led the home side. Sanli however more than made up for main striker Mutu’s absence in first hour.
Both the teams were without their key Indian players who are currently on national duty. The visitors missed Sunil Chhetri and goalkeeper Subrata Paul while the hosts missed their youngsters Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Jackichand Singh.
The visitors had first sniff at goal in the second minute but Gabriel Fernandes missed a sitter after striker Piqionne cut in from the right and smartly curled back the pass to Gabriel.
The hosts launched a quick counter from the centre as Gurung, free from the right, floated a cross towards well placed Sanli just yards away from the far post who headed the ball past goalkeeper.