ISL 3: Lyngdoh powers Pune to top four with a late winner

by Chittu Shetty November 10, 2016

Returning Midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh scores a later winner, to earn Pune a vital away win over Mumbai City FC as they enter the top four of the league table.

Lyngdoh scores in his first game of the ISL season three.

Mumbai city lose a close game against Pune as Eugeneson Lyngdoh slotted home a late winner to take all three point for the visitors.

Mumbai started with Sehnaj Singh and Matias Defederico coming in for Sony Norde and Jackichand Singh. But the biggest change was returning Bengaluru FC skipper Sunil Chhetri making his ISL 3 debut, lining up in a 4-4-1-1 formation. For Pune, it was the same side that started the win over Kolkata with another Blues player returning to bench. Habas lined up his side in a 5-3-2 formation.

The game had a subdued look at the start but Mumbai earned an early free kick when Dramane Traore caught Leo Costa with a high foot, but the resulting Forlan’s strike was headed away by the visitors.

On the other end, Rahul Bheke’s cross was missed by Tarore as he clashed into Gomes. Mumbai were forced with an early substitution as Leo Costa picked up a groin injury and was unable to continue being replaced by new recruit Thiago Cunha.

Mumbai continued to press but failed to find the net as Edel Bete was up for the task. However In the 35th minute, Defederico had a glorious chance with a lot of space on the right flank but Edel pulled off yet another fine save to deny Mumbai the lead.

The most awaited duo of Chhetri and Forlan combined well minutes before the break but an alert Eduardo Ferreira denied Forlan the final shot as both sides went onto the break with nothing to shoe on scoreboard.

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With lack of attacking display from his side, Habas brought in Eugeneson Lyngdoh just after half time to bolster the midfield.

In the 55th minute, Mumbai missed a good chance when Forlan’s cross from corner found an unmarked Goian at the far post, whose unconvincing header missed the goal.

Minutes after the hour mark, Forlan crossed from the right, that found Vadocz but the impressive Eduardo once again made an important tackle.

Around the 75^th minute, a free-kick was awarded to Mumbai just outside the box, Forlan’s strike got past pune backline but Edel bête got his hands on it and it eventually came off the crossbar.

In the final minutes substitute Cafu found Forlan in space on right but the Marquee player’s right footed shot was deflected away by Edel with his feet.

Minutes before end of normal time, Narayan’s cross into the box was tried to catch by Albino Gomes who came off his line but the Mumbai custodian failed to hold on and spilled the ball. A lurking Lyngdoh was around to take advantage of the opportunity as he slammed it into the back of the net.

The game ended with the score of 1-0 in favour of visitors who entered the top four of the league table while Mumbai remained at second place.

Mumbai City FC 0 – 1 FC Pune City (Lyngdoh 88’)