Defending champion Pune FC had to sweat it out to open its account on a winning note defeating a spirited Prayag United 2-0 in the I-League Under-20 opener of Group A preliminary stage at Gopal Maidan here today.
Prayad United with talented players, successfully held strong contender Pune FC goalless till the breather.
The Western team, however, put their act together after the lemon-break and made forays into the rival citadel though lacking in finishing.
As the team in red jersey kept on building pressure, Prayag United players regrouped and made counter attacks, but closely missed the target on two occasions including once when the ball rebounded after hitting the bar.
Pune FC with short and accurate passes, drew first blood when striker Subasish Bose sent a measured crosspiece from the left flank and mid-fielder Willian Lalnunfela converted in the 60th minute.
Pune FC did not allow the opponent to take the upper hand after it led the scoreboard and continued to dominate the proceedings.
Mid-fielder F Lalrempuia netted a brace after he received a pass flicked off mid-fielder R Shivram, who replaced Nikhil Kadam in the second half, in the 93rd minute to wrap up the match.
