ISL 3: Late Penalty salvages Kolkata a draw against defending champions, Pune to take on Mumbai today

by Chittu Shetty October 3, 2016

Defending champions Chennaiyin FC came from behind to lead 2-1 only for Ian Hume to draw parity for ATK with a late penalty

A blockbuster tie, clash of former champions and a Sunday fixture did not seem enough as the 11500 seater Rabindra sarobar stadium failed to fill up to its full capacity. Rains, Durga puja festive season could have been the reason, but for a city that boasts one of the best fan followings of Indian football, it doesn’t bode well.

Unlike the opening game, neither teams refrained from going forward; a seventh minute free kick saw, Chennaiyin FC defender John Rise’s 30 yard strike hitting the woodwork. Sameehg Doutie on the other hand, for ATK continuously troubled the Chennai defence with his inviting crosses, In the 20^th minute, one such cross found Postiga who failed to capitalize the opportunity as Mendy came down with a brilliant last minute tackle.

Around half hour mark, Postiga floated in an inviting cross for Hume at the far post but Wadoo came in between just in time to deny ATK once again. Later a free kick allowed Javi lara to try his luck from 40 yards, the shot was close as the Chennaiyin custodian had to tip it over.

Second half started in similar fashion as both teams failed at the final third. However, in the 58 minute, a defensive lapse helped postiga to through the ball for Doutie made no mistake in sending the ball past kerr to open the scoring. Goal down, Chennaiyin came back stronger as in the 66^th minute jeje‘s shot found Jayesh Rane free from his marker and ahead of ATK defence as he slotted the ball past debjit to make it 1-1. Rane who plays for Mumbai FC in the I league became the first Indian player to score in the third edition of the ISL.

Four minutes after equalizing, the visitors went ahead after Hans Mulder shot deflected to the far post away from the reach of diving keeper. ATK found couple of opportunities to equalize through Hume but could not capitalize. At the other end, Dudu had a golden opportunity to make it 3-1 but skied his shot after Rane found him through a long ball.

However in the 85 minute Doutie was brought down by Jerry inside the penalty box to grant ATK another opportunity and this time Hume did not failed sending the ball to the far corner. The match ended in a draw as neither team could take the lead in the remaining minutes.

Atletico de Kolkata 2 (Doutie 58’, Hume 86’) – Chennaiyin FC 2(Jayesh Rane 66’, Mulder 70’)

Also read: Highlanders edge past blasters 1-0 in the ISL 3 opener

Mumbai city FC take on Pune city FC in a Maharashtra Derby

The third game of 3^rd edition of ISL brings the two teams from Maharashtra against each other as FC Pune city take on Mumbai city FC. Mumbai would be keen to improve their performances in the opening games after losing both the times in the last two editions. Missing key players in Chhetri, Amrinder, Udanta and L Fanai due to their commitment with Bengaluru FC in the AFC Cup ties, Mumbai will be heavily dependent on their foreign signings. Diego Forlan, Sunny Norde, Indian International and former FC pune city player Jackichand singh will be the players to carry out Mumbai attack.

FC Pune city will also miss their prolific midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdohbut but have the likes of Bruno Arias and Jonatan Lucca in midfield along with Arata Izumi supporting Gustavo Obermans and Anibal Zurdo in attack. New marquee signing Mohamed Sissoko will also be unavailable for today’s game. Apoula Edel, who was the keeper at former champion teams, will be between the sticks for pune this time around.

It will be an exciting tie as both teams would look to start their season with the win and get into the last four this time around.

Kick Off: 7PM IST Balewadi sports complex, Pune