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Pune FC made it ten goals against Air India FC after thrashing them 4-0 in an I-League Round 6 rescheduled encounter at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune on Sunday.
Earlier, Pune FC logged a huge 6-0 win in the first-leg over the Airmen eight days earlier.
With this win, Pune FC kept pressure on leaders Churchill Brothers whom they trail by two points having played a game more. The win was Pune FC’s 15th win this season and now have their best-ever I-League tally of 49 points as the hosts stay on second place.
Playmaker Douhou Pierre’s second half brace (50th & 77th minute) and goals from strikers James Moga (34th) and Boima “Jerry” Karpeh (84th) gave Pune FC another big win. However missed chances saved the rivals from further humiliation.
Pune FC took charge from the opening minute. Six minutes into the game, Moga went wide on his half-volley after Karma set him up. Minutes later his attempt was blocked by keeper Bubai Singh after he connected Douhou’s low ball.
At the quarter hour mark, Moga on a counter cut back on the right and unleashed a left-footer which was blocked by the keeper. The rebound fell for Doohou, but a defender cleared almost instantly.
Four minutes after the half-hour mark Moga gave Pune FC the lead. The striker headed home winger Khanthang Paite’s inch perfect cross in from the left.
At the other end, Pune FC custodian was in the form of his life blocking every attempt into the box. He pulled off a brilliant save on Jonychand’s Singh’s swerving long-range attempt.
Pune FC took their one goal lead into the break.
The hosts doubled their advantage almost instantly as Moga and Douhou combined again. Douhou dispossessed an opponent in the midfield; Moga picked up the loose ball and set up the Douhou who held off a defender’s challenge before placing it well past the keeper.
Half an hour later, Douhou completed his brace to hand Pune FC a three goal lead. Controlling a throw-in from the left, the playmaker turned around, beat a couple of defenders with some quick feet and finished at the far post.
Air India were restricted to few attacks but whenever they created an opportunity, they were denied by the in-form Amrinder.
Six minutes from the full-time whistle, substitute Jerry – on for Moga – put the final nail in Air India’s coffin. The striker controlled Chika Wali’s long ball on the left, skipped past a defender inside the box and slid the ball at the far post. The goal was almost identical to his strike against the Airmen a week back.
