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Last-year’s runners-up Pune FC began their 2013-14 I-League campaign with a bang registering a comfortable 3-1 victory over Mohammedan Sporting at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday.
Striker Josimar Martins (11th minute) gave recently-crowned Durand Cup champions Mohammedan the lead before Pune FC’s debutants striker Raul Fabiani (16th and 76th) and winger James Meyer (53rd) put their handed Pune FC all three points.
Pune FC however played the last quarter of the game with 10-men after Fabiani received his second booking.
With this win Pune FC go top of the table provisionally with three points from one game ahead of Salgaocar FC on goal difference after opening day of Round 1.
After initial attacks by both sides, Pune FC custodian Amrinder Singh’s miss handed Josimar the opportunity to give Mohammedan the lead in the 11th minute.
Five minutes later, it was Pune FC who equalised through debutant Fabiani. Winger Nikhil Kadam, starting for the first time, saw his powerful attempt come off the post and fall for Fabiani who tapped in.
Thereafter, both teams engaged in a midfield battle but failed to create a close chance; going into the break tied at 1-1.
The second half exploded to life eight minutes after kick off, when another debutant Meyer gave Pune FC the lead. Striker Fabiani beat two defenders on the right and set up an easy tap in for Meyer who made no mistake.
The game turned into a physical battle as Mohammedan began employing rough tackles. However it was Pune FC who increased their lead midway through the second half.
Fabiani capitalised on a loose ball to slot it past the helpless Mohammedan custodian to complete his brace. But his dream debut was cut short when he celebrated the goal by pulling his shirt over his head. This earned him a second yellow of the match ruling him out for the next game.
Ten-man Pune FC thereafter did well to hold on to their advantage and end up with all three points.
