By Pune FC Media

CHANDIGARH: Defending Champions Pune FC Under-17s showed their class in coming from a goal down to defeat home-side Chandigarh Football Academy 3-1 in the showpiece final and retained their 13th Administrator’s Challenge Cup title at the Sector-17 Football Ground in Chandigarh on Wednesday.

For the second consecutive season, Pune FC romped to the title with an all win record after five successive victories and have taken their tally to ten wins in ten games in the competition.

In the big game, Pune FC fought back with goals from winger Buanthanglun Samte (45+1st and 49th minute) and striker Lalawmpuia (76th) after going a goal down early on to clinch their second successive championship at the national level.

Just like in the semifinals, Pune FC began the game on the backfoot after Chandigarh FA took the lead in the 8th minute following a defensive lapse.

However, Pune FC didn’t give up and kept pushing forward before finally pulling level in the first half injury time. In-form winger Buanthanglun scored from close range to level the scores going into the breather.

Having scored just before the break, Pune FC began the second half confidently and attacked the rival goal with intent. Their efforts paid off and Buanthanglun put Pune FC in the lead scoring in the four minutes after restart.

The dominance continued and striker Lalawmpuia then rounded off the win with a neat effort in the 76th minute. With that strike, the youngster took his tally to ten goals in just five games and finished as the only player to notch double figures.