Indian Super League (ISL) franchise FC Pune City surged to the top in the U-18 I-League table after settling for a 1-1 draw against Mumbai FC at the Cooperage Ground in Mumbai last evening.
FC Pune City's domination in the match was evident as Nijwm Muchahary scored the first goal in the 21st minute via penalty. The Pune side was able to stop Mumbai FC from scoring in the first half.
In the second half, Mumbai FC forward Azfar equalized by netting the ball at 68th minute.
This result means that FC Pune City qualifies for the national round with 22 points in eight games, winning seven with one draw.
This unbeaten run included home and away wins over their arch local rivals DSK Shivajians, who have also qualified for the national round by virtue of finishing second in the group but FC Pune City remains undefeated in the Maharashtra zone.
FC Pune City also conceded the lowest number of goals (4) amongst the 5 teams that competed in the Maharashtra Zone.
The national round will comprise of 12 teams who would qualify from six zones - Goa, Delhi, Maharashtra, Kolkata, Guwahati/Shillong and Rest of India.