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The Maha derby between FC Pune City and Mumbai City FC once more had its sparks on Wednesday evening at the Balewadi Stadium as the hosts scored the 2-1 winner in the third minute of injury time.
But at the start of the game, Mumbai City FC looked to trouble their Maha opponents and first a Gerson Vieira shot was saved by Kamaljit Singh, but then in the 15th minute India striker Balwant Singh struck the ball perfectly as it swerved and turned into the goal beating a outstretched Kamaljit.
But thereafter Mumbai City FC pulled back and handed the role of attacker to FC Pune City, who pushed the guests into their own half but keeper Amrinder Singh was rarely tested in the first session.
Things remained the same with FC Pune City having more of the ball and the attacks as Mumbai City FC seemed to rely on counter attacks. A dangerous strategy which would not work in the end.
In the 74th minute, Raju Gaikwad fouled Diego Carlos in the box and despite the Mumbai City protests, the penalty stood. Emiliano Alfaro walked up and placed it nicely into the right side with Amrinder cleanly beaten. FC Pune City now smelled victory and the three points as Mumbai City FC could not come out of their defensive shell.
In the 83rd minute a Jonatan Lucca attempt was just about kept out by Amrinder and as FC Pune City continued to attack then came the third minute of injury time as a long ball beat Gaikwad, Diego Carlos free to run at goal and at the right time he squarred the ball to Emiliano Alfano to score his and FC Pune City’s second of the night to the delight of the home bench and fans.
At the other end Mumbai City FC have only themselves to blame for the loss which was avoidable after the perfect start.
MATCH AWARDS
Club award: FC Pune City
Swift moment of the match: Emiliano Alfaro (FC Pune City)
Winning pass of the match: Diego Carlos (FC Pune City)
Fittest player: Lucian Goian (Mumbai City FC)
Emerging player: Kamaljit Singh (FC Pune City)
Hero of the match: Gerson Vieira (Mumbai City FC)
