Pune FC had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Sporting Clube de Goa in an I-League encounter at the Shree Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex, here today.
The hosts had many chances in the second half which saw them striking the woodwork apart from having their attempts cleared in front of the goal on several occasions.
In the end, it all boiled down to medio Beevan D'Mello (39th min) opportunistic opener for Sporting in the first half before striker Thongkhosiem Haokip (56th min) equalised for Pune FC.
With a point each, both teams held on to their respective positions - Pune FC (25 pts) occupy third place on the table while Sporting Goa (28) are second.
Pune FC had the first close chance of the match on the quarter hour mark. Playmaker Douhou Pierre and Anthony combined down the left before the winger sent in a low cross into the box. Lalrempuia, who rushed inside the box saw his left-footed attempt go wide.
Pune FC continued pushing up and couple minutes later Lalrempuia had his header saved by the keeper on defender Calum Angus' floated freekick.
At the other end, Sporting restricted to counter attacks, took the lead against the run of play. Beevan capitalised on a slip by Ralte on the left before running towards the box. Beating challenges off a couple of defenders, Beevan scored from the edge of the box.
The second half saw Pune FC push even further up in search of then equaliser. Nine minutes in, winger Gabriel Fernandes dribbled his way into the box from the right, but saw his powerful low drive go wide at the far post.
Two minutes later, Pune FC equalised through striker Haokip. After Gabriel was brought down while dribbling on the left, Anthony picked up the loose ball and floated a cross in. An unmarked Haokip timed his jump to perfection and headed home to send the home fans into frenzy.
