U-19 Pune FC end I-League campaign with 2-1 win

Pune FC ended their campaign in the Under-19 I-League with a 2-1 win over PIFA Colaba FC in a Round 10 encounter at the Goan Sports Association Ground here Friday.

Pune FC took the lead through medio Altamash Sayed (25th minute) in the first half before Neel Shah (79th) equalised in the final quarter. However, a late goal from substitute Vikas Zanje (89th) handed Pune FC a win.

The victory was Pune FC's fifth in the campaign and also meant that they have now beaten every opponent in Maharashtra at least once. The result took their tally to 17 points from eight games as they finished zonal runners-up behind AIFF Regional Academy (21).

Coach Naushad Moosa made two changes to the line-up handing starts to goalkeeper Sukhadev Patil and defender Md. Saukat.

The game began with Pune FC dominating proceedings, taking the lead midway. A sweet move in the midfield culminated in winger Chesterpaul Lyngdoh setting up medio Altamash, who made no mistake finishing off calmly on the through ball. Pune FC took their one goal lead into the breather.

The second half was a similar story as Pune FC kept pushing up. However, it was the hosts who pulled level against the run of play. A quick move on a counter-attack saw attacker Neel tapping in from inside the box to restore parity.

Just when it looked like the game would end in a draw, substitute Vikas scored the winner two minutes from time. The Pune-born striker controlled Chesterpaul's pass before making his way past a host of defenders on the left and finished at the far post.