ISL 2016: Rodriguez late strike salvage draw for FC Pune City

Pune: Anibal Zurdo Rodriguez came from the bench to score the late equaliser on a set piece as FC Pune City salvaged a point against Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League match at Balewadi Sports Complex here on Sunday. The defending champions had got lead in the first half through Jeje Lalpekhlua’s volleyed goal.

With this 1-1 draw, Chennaiyin climbed to third position displacing Mumbai City FC with eight points each and a game in hand. Pune remain in the bottom half with five points in six games.

The hosts sought inspiration from head coach Antonio Habas who was observing the action from the touchline for the first time for FC Pune City after serving four-match ban.

Pune City’ got things going with their Malian striker Dramane Traore heading into the net on Jonatan Lucca cross to lit up the stadium in the sixth minute but it didn’t count as the ball had gone out of play prior to Lucca’s cross. On the counter Chennaiyin striker Dudu Omagbemi also found the net but he was ruled offside.  

After a cagey play from both sides, Jeje brought life in the game with a smart lob catching goalkeeper Edel Bete out of position and put visitors ahead in the 28th minute. He nicely disguised defender Eduardo Ferreira after getting a long ball from Jerry Lalrinzuala to unleash a peach of goal.

The hosts who were not threatening in their attacks produced skilful passing led by skipper Mohammed Sissoko but the former Liverpool players finish was wayward.

In the second half, Pune exerted some pressure with Traore having good chance set up by Sanju Pradhan but the finishing shot was blocked by Norwegian defender John Arne Riise.

Coming as substitute in the 80th minute Rodriguez struck two minutes later on a direct free-kick that swung into the near corner.