Marcelinho, a goal-getter of exceptional ability, enhanced his reputation with a stunning long-range strike as FC Pune City defeated FC Goa 2-0 in their ISL match at the Balewadi stadium here on Tuesday. Marko Stankovic was the other scorer for the host.
Marcelinho’s left-footed shot on the run saw the ball swirl into the left post. Goa, chasing the equaliser, gave away the second as a reckless foul by defender Mohammad Ali on Stanovic resulted in a penalty kick, converted coolly by the latter.
With just two goals in nine appearances, it was time Marcelinho proved his worth. And he did, powering the side to its third win in 11 games. Goa remained fourth after its third defeat in 10 games.
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Kamaljit to the fore
Pune goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh frustrated the visitors with fine anticipation and reflexes. There were fouls aplenty in the first half before both sides got down to the business of creating chances in the second half.
The Pune forwards were on the move, keeping Nawaz on his toes. Robin Singh nodded the ball down for striker Iain Hume to finish. The Canadian danced past legs to get into scoring position, but his left-footed attempt was mistimed and the ball rolled wide. Kamaljit produced a tumbling, overhead save at full stretch to tip over an attempt from Ahmed Jahouh.
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In a flash the ball had travelled the length of the pitch and a defensive error presented Marcelhinho with a chance to sweep home, only for Nawaz to deny the Brazilian with a reflex save. Goa captain Mandar Dessai was unlucky to see his shot crash into the upright.
Best chance
Goa got the first clear look at goal after Eduardo Bedia linked up with Brandon Ferenandes with a sweeping pass. The latter moved close and shot, but goalkeeper Kamaljit, guessing it correctly, blocked the shot after narrowing the angle. Pune’s defence was stretched by a Lenny run down the flank. He relayed the ball to Corominas who set up Eduardo. The latter’s scoop off the left foot found the crossbar.
Jahouh earned the first yellow, getting punished for a right-footed tackle to halt Robin on the move. Hume received the second yellow for dashing into Hugo Boummos.
The result: FC Pune City 2 (Marcelhinho 74, Marko Stankovic 90) bt FC Goa 0.