Pune: FC Pune City and Kerala Blasters played out an enthralling 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League match at Balewadi Sports Complex here on Monday.
French defender Cedric Hengbart put visitors ahead in the third minute while Pune’s marquee player Mohammed Sissoko drew them level with a strike in the 67th minute as both sides split the points to remain in the bottom half of the table.
This was Pune’s first point earned at home and are on four points in as many games. Kerala Blasters, meanwhile, haev registered two losses, one draw and one win to amass five points in as many games.
The visitors had a brilliant start to the game as Hengbart found the back of the net from the first corner after Narayan Das, an experienced hand for the home side, failed to get the distance or power necessary to clear the ball. It was the fastest goal in this edition of the tournament so far.
Pune looked dangerous on a couple of occassions with their long throw ins but was found wanting in their finishing ability.
The home side had a clear chance ten minutes into the second half when Josu Currais back pass was intercepted by Dramane Traore but the goalkeeper was alert to the danger. Moments later, Traore found the net but was ruled as offside.
Pune City drew parity soon after as Sissoko took advantage of some poor clearence to fire in a strike, albeit with a deflection.
Three minutes later, Pune City goalkeeper Edel Bete came up with reflexive save to deny substitute Farukh Chaudhury as both sides strived hard to change the scoreline with some strong attacking effort.
