I-LEAGUE Media Team
PUNE: Pune FC couldn’t have asked for a better opening in their first home match of this season and it was Thongkhosiem Haokip, who proved to be the star for the day, as the Red Lizards showed no mercy in thumping down Shillong Lajong FC 5-2 in their Round 3 match of the Hero I-League at the Balewadi Sports Complex Stadium here on Thursday.
The hosts took an early lead when Haokip struck in the third minute. It was striker Darko Nikac, who sent in a straight ball from the midfield to Ryuji Sueoka. The Japanese headed the ball back and Haokip took control of it and made no mistake in netting the ball past Shillong custodian TP Rehenesh.
Haokip struck again in the 13th minute when right winger Edgar Marcelino put in a cross to Haokip, who was lurking around the goal area. Haokip made it look easy as he chipped the ball into the nets.
Before things could settle down, Haokip struck again two minutes later when Sueoka’s attempt was thwarted by a Shillong defender.
Haokip pounced on the ball and took the possession before firing the ball in the back of the nets sending a crowd of 3500 on their feet.
The hosts enjoyed maximum possession of the ball and were in full control of the proceedings. The crowd, which mostly consisted of school students, were up on their feet every time the home team gave them moments to rejoice.
In the 44th minute it was Sueoka’s turn to score when Mathew Gonsalves sent in a cross to Nikac, who headed the ball into the six-yard box with Ryuji sliding in and scoring the goal.
Nikac scored in the very next minute to add to the tally when he passed through a few Shillong defenders and shot straight into the nets.
For the visitors, Durga Boro scored in the 36th minute and Cornell pulled one back in the 75th minute.
Pune FC jumped a place to be on No 2 position with 7 points from three matches. Royal Wahingdoh lead the Hero I-League table with 9 points, while Dempo are at No 3 with 5 points.
After this win Pune FC is now set for the Maharashtra Derby when they take on Mumbai FC on February 1 here at Balewadi.
Hero of the Match – Thongkhosiem Haokip
