Pune FC have won three of their last four matches since the return of Keita and on Wednesday too, the striker was at the heart of Pune’s victory. Keita scored the opening goal and then Gurjinder Kumar sealed the match six minutes from time. Pune are sixth with 18 points from 11 matches while Churchill stay top on 23 points.
Both teams had their chances in the first session. 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.
Pune FC surged ahead in the 62nd minute when Churchill defender Naveen Sudhakaran failed to clear Srikant Ramu’s cross from the right, providing Keita with the luxury of a simple header for the goal.
The visitors scored the insurance goal in the 84th minute when Douhou Pierre cut past two players and took a shot at goal which Felix managed to thwart but the rebound fell at the feet of Gurjinder who made no mistake.
In Kolkata, Shillong Lajong came from behind to hold Prayag United to a draw 1-1 at Salt Lake Stadium. Josimar opened the scoring for Prayag United in the 28th minute but Lajong striker Chiboza equalised eight minutes later. Prayag are fifth on 18 points while Lajong are ninth on 13 points from 11 matches.
Away comforts
Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club, after losing all their eight matches at home so far this season, will be hoping for away comforts when they take on Mumbai FC at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune on Thursday.
Mumbai FC are 12th with eight points from ten matches, seven ahead of their opponents who have just one point. HASC will be in unfamiliar territory, having played just two away matches out of ten in the I-League this campaign.
Captain Joseph Femi, who missed the Salgaocar match at home on Sunday, is expected to return for the match and the Bangalore side will be keen to take their first win against a struggling Mumbai side.