September 19, 2026 08:01 am (IST)
Follow us:
U18 I-League final phase: Pune FC go down fighting 0-1 to Salgaocar FC in the opener
Kolkata, Jan 29 (IBNS): Pune FC began their U18 I-League 2015-16 final phase campaign with a narrow defeat as they went down fighting 0-1 to Salgaocar FC at the East Bengal Ground in Kolkata on Friday.
Despite dominating majority of the proceedings in the game, an early strike from Salgaocar FC attacker Liston Colaco (7th minute) handed Pune FC their first defeat of the campaign.
Pune FC began the game in attacking mode and created the first close chance in the 3rd minute. Striker Ashique Kuruniyan did well to cut in past a couple of defenders from the left but his powerful drive sailed inches over the horizontal.
While Pune FC pressed high up, opponents Salgaocar managed to take the lead against the run of the play at the other end. Attacker Liston Colaco capitalised on a defensive error to beat Pune FC custodian Anuj Kumar from close range in the 7th minute.
Having conceded early on, Pune FC began attacking with intensity through Dimple Bhagat, Lalawmpuia, Chesterpaul Lyngdoh and Ashique, but rivals Salgaocar managed to hold on defending deep as the first half ended 1-0.
The second half was a similar story as Pune FC dominated majority of the proceedings looking for the equaliser and almost camped in the rival half. While they pushed up front, close chances fell for attackers Ashique, Sannik Murmu and Lalawmpuia but the trio lacked killer finish in the final third.
Towards the end of the game, Pune FC went agonisingly close through Chesterpaul Lyngdoh but the diminutive winger was denied as the game ended 1-0.
Pune FC now plays Aizawl FC in the second round on Sunday, 31st January, 2016 at the East Bengal Ground.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
Messi’s Argentina return confirmed! Superstar set to play one more match in October
Wed, Sep 16 2026
Asia Cup final chaos: Victorious Indian women's team refuses to accept trophy from Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
Mon, Sep 14 2026
Vande Mataram before Jana Gana Mana at India-Afghanistan T20: Historic first on cricket field
Sun, Sep 13 2026
‘False stories, ready for probe’: Sourav Ganguly hits back as CAB ticket row, age controversy erupt ahead of elections
Sat, Sep 12 2026