Pune, Mumbai share points

Pune Football Club (PFC) missed out on another close opportunity to log full points as they settled for a 1-1 draw in their I-League match against Mumbai FC at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi here on Saturday.

Pune FC skipper Shanmugam Venkatesh drew the first blood in the 12th minute but the team celebration didn’t last for more than 10 minutes. Equaliser came in the 22nd minute through Darren Calderia. PFC had maximum ball possession but failed to do the needful. Venkatesh was awarded the Man of the Match award.

Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil was satisfied with the result. “We came here to clinch three points but taking back one point is better than losing the game,” said Jamil, the 31-year-old Mumbai FC coach for whom this I-League is the first assignment. Satisfied with the team’s performance, PFC coach Derrick Pereira said, “It’s good we didn’t lose the match and after scoring the first goal we kept the pressure on. We missed some opportunities but the credit must go to the rivals for a defending well.”

Brazilian striker Edmar Figueira, who is yet to make an impact, failed to impress despite getting all support from his coach. “Edmar is a quality player and he needs support upfront. It’s just the matter of time and I am sure he will be one of the best strikers in the country,” said Pereira.

Mumbai FC will play their next match against Air India on October 28. PFC has a tough encounter lined-up as they will play against Churchill Brothers in Goa on the same day and will come back to play Dempo Sports Club on November 1. “The next two games won’t be easy but Indian football is all about upsets and we will try our best to give one,” summed up Pereira.