ISL 3: Pune City, Blasters share spoils

Kerala Blasters’ Cedric Hengbert (centre) celebrates scoring against FC Pune City in their ISL 3 match in Pune on Monday. The match ended 1-1.

FC Pune City and Kerala Blasters played out an enthralling 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League at Balewadi Sports Complex here on Monday. French defender Cedric Hengbart put the visitors ahead in the third minute, the goal nullified by Pune City marquee player Mohammed Sissoko’s strike in the 67th minute as both sides took away a point each to remain in the bottom half of the table. Pune City had lost two home games earlier while recording one away win against FC Goa. This was their first point earned at home and they have four points now in as many games. Kerala Blasters after two losses and a drawn game, registered a first win at home over Mumbai City FC in their previous game. After the one point on Monday they have five points in as many games.

The visitors made a brilliant start to the game as Hengbart, coming forward to make the first corner kick count, found the back of the net after defender Narayan Das’ weak clearance. It was the fastest goal in this edition of the tournament so far. Pune looked dangerous on a couple of long throw ins but both times the finishing was wayward. Later, Jonattan Lucca’s diving attempt at goal was just wide in the 22nd minute.

Pune City kept applying pressure and had better possession and attacking index in the first half but they couldn’t produce the goals to claw their way back into the game.

The home side had a clear chance 10 minutes into the second half when Josu Currais’ irresponsible back pass for Blasters’ goalkeeper Sandip Nandy was intercepted by Dramane Traore but he was a bit late to latch on it allowing Nandy to make a quick recovery.

Moments later the stadium stood in celebration when Traore finally found the net on Rahul Bheke’s cross but much to their disappointment, the flag stayed up ruling Traore offside.

However Pune City fans had valid reason to celebrate soon after former Liverpool and Juventus star Mohammed Sissoko equalised after another failed clearance inside the box by the Blasters and his shot at goal was deflected from a defender into the far corner.

Three minutes later, Pune City goalkeeper Edel Bete came up with reflex save to deny a close range header from substitute Farukh Chaudhury. Both sides failed to add to their score despite attacking display.

Dynamos, Mumbai hunt for win Delhi Dynamos FC and Mumbai City FC will look to get back to winning ways as they meet at New Delhi's Nehru Stadium on Tuesday.

Mumbai City started with a flourish winning their first two games and drawing a third, but were grounded by Kerala Blasters in the last game. Dynamos too had a similar experience as they dethroned defending champions Chennaiyin FC in a superb display of attacking football in their opening game but have since then settled for draws in their last two matches, against Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United FC.