ISL 3: Ferreira lifts Pune to first home win

Injured Eduardo Ferreira scored a fairytale 41st-minute goal before being rushed to the hospital as Pune City FC thumped Atletico de Kolkata 2-1 at the Balewadi Sports Complex here on Sunday. Anibal Zurdo Rodriguez scored from the spot in the second half to ensure Pune’s first home win and second overall in this edition of the Indian Super League. Iain Hume pulled one back for the visiting side through penalty.

The win lifted hosts from bottom to sixth place with nine points while Kolkata remained third with 12 points. After being winless in the last five games, FC Pune City head coach Antonio Habas was up against his former team and he seemed to like the challenge. The hosts began aggressively and were more purposeful and creative in their attacks.

The hosts got the first sniff at goal in the seventh minute when Rahul Bheke released an aerial ball for striker Dramane Traore but his shot on the turn was wide.

Kolkata were more threatening from the right wing fetching two quick corners but to no avail.

Ferreira got a nasty facial injury just below eyeline during an aerial dual with Postiga in the 37th minute. He was attended by the physio and an ambulance was kept ready but the Brazilian defender got up to the loud cheer of the packed house here.

Soon, the crowd were on their heels as Ferreira headed home on Lucca’s flagkick to earn an emotional hug from Habas. Ferreira, however, couldn’t continue due to concussion and was taken to the hospital as Jesus Rodriguez Tato replaced him at the brink of half time.

The hosts doubled the lead when Rodriguez scored on a penalty kick in the 56th minute.

In the 668th minute, the visitors got one back through their Canadian striker Hume.

Skipper Mohammed Sissoko was surrounding Postiga in the box when the Portugese striker fell and referee pointed to the spot. Hume first attempt was blocked by Bete but he got it right on second attempt.